“We decided to turn the 19 hectares barren land into forest after we faced troubles collecting firewood and fodder for livestock,” said Chandrakala Acharya, a member of the community forest consumers’ committee. “Though people laughed at us in the beginning, we were able to turn the area into a forest due to relentless effort and high morale,” she said, adding that they are now praised and encouraged by the same people.

Of the 70 community forests in Rupandehi, seven are under the management and conservation of women. The seven community forests are Pragati in Ghodaha, Mahamaya in Devdaha, Rachana in Padkhauli, Chetana in Kehulani,  Pipri Chapa in Rudrapur, Shanti Shreejana in Haraiya and Women Community Forest in Motipur. All these community forests were once barren lands. Women have not only turned them into lush green forests but also managed to control poaching and timber-smuggling to a large extent.

Women forest users of Pragati Women Community Forest in Ghodaha, for instance, patrol the area every night. According to Barsha Tiwari, chairperson of the forest users committee, a group of five women patrols the forest each night.

Besides turning the 93 hectares of land into lush green forests, the forest users have also planted various fruits like mango, jack fruit, Indian gooseberry and other medicinal herbs. With the growth of trees, women have become able to use timber at low cost and have also started generating income from the sale of fruits and herbs. “We are in the process of expanding the forest,” Tiwari said, adding that plans were afoot to start ginger and turmeric farming to uplift economic status of women.

Meanwhile, District Forest Officer Deepak Gyawali said almost all forests managed by women were well protected. “Women have also curbed financial irregularities and maintained economic transparency,” he said. The forest office has also planned to hand over management of other community forests to women.