Sita Lama, a resident of Rainas Municipality in Lamjung of Gandaki Province, faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her husband, who worked abroad as a security guard, had to return to Nepal after struggling to sustain his job. Despite searching for employment in nearby districts, he found no opportunities. In 2021, their son contracted the coronavirus and required medical treatment, adding to the family's financial burdens. "We had to put our land as collateral for a loan to pay for his treatment," Sita said. Desperate for work, her husband went to India and has not returned since.
In 2022, Sita joined the Youth Employment Transformation Initiative (YETI) Project's temporary employment program. She worked on maintaining community infrastructure such as canals and roads and helped reconstruct their community monastery damaged in the 2015 earthquake. Grateful for these opportunities, Sita hopes to save money and start her own venture so that her husband will not have to seek work abroad.
Lalita Devi Paswan from Loharpatti Municipality in Mahottari of Madhesh Province shared similar struggles regarding women's employment in her community. "A married woman here is conditioned to stay home and do household chores," Lalita said. "She is expected to veil her head in presence of elder male members." As her family grew, Lalita decided to work outside the home despite societal norms.
Initially met with criticism from family members and neighbors when she joined the YETI Project's temporary employment program, Lalita persisted. Over time, she earned around Rs 50,000 (about $388) in 100 days of work since 2021 without having to ask her husband for money. This income allowed her to buy groceries, clothes, and stationery for her children. Inspired by Lalita's determination, other women in her community began seeking employment opportunities.
Sita Lama and Lalita Devi Paswan are among the 135,000 beneficiaries of the YETI Project implemented by Nepal’s Ministry of Labor, Employment, and Social Security with financing from the World Bank Group’s International Development Association (IDA). The YETI project supports Nepal’s Prime Minister Employment Program by improving employment services and labor market outcomes for youth—particularly women from poor and marginalized communities.
During the COVID-19 pandemic alone, YETI provided temporary employment support to an additional 44,000 people who lost jobs. The project also aids long-term employment service provision through centers at all local levels nationwide and a National Employment Management Information System (NEMIS).