A community facility centre in Gelegphu, Sarpang, a joint initiative of SABAH Bhutan and Sherchog Women’s Group is providing social support services to women during tough times.
The centre helps to provide gainful employment to divorced women and homemakers and make them economically independent. It encourages them to produce around 18 different kinds of natural edible items.
Initially, the facility centre was operated by a women group as organic food producing unit. But, due to lack of food processing machines, the unit faced daunting task to achieve its goals. While going through hardship, SABAH Bhutan was their life-saver.
“SABAH Bhutan helped us to set up a well furnished food processing unit in a rented apartment. Add to this, they provided us the food processing equipment,” said 48-year-old Chima Dema, who is the group leader of SABAH Bhutan and Sherchog Women’s Group.
Now, the group’s only wish is to have a well built structure to operate their business. “This will be achieved soon since Gelegphu Thromde has allotted plot and EU is funding Nu 4.8m to construction natural food production unit,” Chimi continued.
The group has 18 members and each of them earns Nu 5000 per month by selling organic food products. “When we have nowhere to go, this centre helped us realise our strengths and become financially independent,” said China Maya Nirola.
Their products such as fruit juices, candy, bamboo shoots, sauces, ginger powder and honey among others are sold across the country. The Sherchog Women’s Group was formed in 2011.
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