In our life, we come across endless possibilities, an epitome of hope, and it’s rare to find that hope embodied in human form. But in 2021, I did. I saw YOU, a woman in her 70s, radiating jolly vibes and a happy face, mentoring a young forester like me. As soon as you recited your poem on women’s empowerment, I was awestruck. I felt the depth of the poem and saw you from a different angle, an empathetic feminist. That’s how your initial image became imprinted on me.

Later, life had another twist for me, I was lucky enough to have you as my professional mentor in 2022. I was on cloud nine. Why wouldn’t I be? I had the opportunity to learn from decades of your wisdom. Honestly, you raised my standards for what a true leader should be. From picking me up and dropping me off at the office to taking me to your favorite restaurant, and even inviting me over for dinner, your homemade dahi bada is something I carry in my heart, not just in my stomach. Professionally, you were my home away from home kinda person. One of the thing I admire most about you is the trust you had in me more than anyone else in the room. Whether it was leading restoration work, overseeing endline and baseline surveys, or documenting conferences, you believed in me. I stumbled many times during my professional journey, yet never once did you belittle me. Instead, you made me understand that To err is human, and so is the grace to forgive and grow.

There were times when, despite having a clear vision for life, I was confused and scared about what my future would look like. Having you around taught me about meeting the right people at the wrong time is also blessing and that saved me from burnout. You always provided me with platforms wherever you went, and you were the one who vouched for me for an event photography gig that paid me financially. I still remember the day I took that envelope, gave the money to my mom, and said, “See, Mom, I earned this from photography.” You taught me that when you invest effort and skill, you also deserve financial recognition.

In 2023-2024, I was going through a lot of crises and decided to take a career break, but I still remember your words: “Tapai jasto manchhe le kaam garna chhodna hudaina.” I interpret this sentence from many perspectives maybe you saw that I had more to contribute to the gender and forestry sector, maybe you saw a girl in her 20s struggling in crisis and believed that work would be her savior, or maybe you were worried that taking a break might lead to regret over  my wasted potential.

Being a woman in the early stages of my career, what inspires me is the dignity and values you carry with you, how you worship your work, and how you’ve made it a lifestyle. It’s rare to see people do that. The bravery you show in climbing those uphills in Sindhupalchowk and Bhujel Gaun, Nawalpur, to support women entrepreneurs, despite facing health challenges, is something I deeply admire. I hope to embody that same work ethic and commitment to impactful values when I mature as a woman someday.

I’ve seen the rural women around you happy and brave and I know your aura is infectious. Who wouldn’t be happy around someone like you?

Your recommendation to top-level organizations saved my enthusiasm when I got to work on the research aspects of gender-based violence warriors. It shifted the way I view my dream of becoming a social entrepreneur someday. When I think of you, I think of possibilities, and how one person’s guidance can truly change the direction of your life perspective and career. The accessibility you’ve provided me in both my personal and professional life is something I will carry forward, embracing those values.

I wish you a long life, and may many people have the privilege of being mentored by you. I hope they experience your warmth, especially those going through their quarter-life crisis like me. A small act of kindness can truly plant a big seed of hope and possibilities for the future.

I will carry your values, empathy, and honor with me throughout my life, all the way to my grave.

Thank you for giving me my first Saree,

Thank you for giving me my first career break

Thank you for being a big part of my first professional career,

I love you with all my respect and admiration.

Also, I love your infectious zest for life. 🙂

If home is a person, you are that home for a wandering bird like me.

Dear Kanchan ma’am,

Wishing you a many many happy returns of the day!!!

Consortium partners: The project is implemented by a consortium of ForestAction Nepal, the Himalayan Grassroots Women’s Natural Resource Management Association (HIMAWANTI), the Association of Family Forest Owners, Nepal (AFFON) and the Federation of Forest-based Industry and Trade, Nepal (FenFIT-Nepal).

My role as the Research Officer throughout the time frame 2022-2024 April included the following key responsibilities:

1.Restoration of 32,000 non timber forest products species in Sindhupalchok and Nawalpur, Nepal

During my tenure at ForestAction Nepal, I led a large-scale restoration initiative involving the plantation of 32,000 non-timber forest species, aiming to enhance local economies while promoting sustainable resource management. This initiative required extensive collaboration with stakeholders to address challenges in sourcing suitable plants and ensuring a consistent supply of raw materials for rural entrepreneurs. Spending months in rural areas, I along with the team closely managed the technical aspects of the restoration process, meticulously planning and adapting to unforeseen challenges. Beyond the plantation, my efforts integrated restoration activities into broader project goals, including fostering low-carbon development, improving climate resilience, and creating sustainable livelihoods for marginalized communities. This experience developed my skills in project coordination, stakeholder engagement, and leveraging restoration for community empowerment.

More details about the process we followed: https://forestaction.org/key/plantation-as-a-resource-base-creation-an-empowering-process-for-women-entrepreneurs/

2. Research on Gender Equity and Sustainable Forest-Based Livelihoods

I along with Sarada Tiwari and Saroj Khatiwada led significant contributions to advancing research on forest-based livelihoods and gender equity through publications in both English and Nepali journals. Together, we co-authored the article “Green Enterprises: A Pathway to Women’s Economic Empowerment,” published in the Journal of Forest and Livelihoods, which explored innovative approaches to gender equity, policy advocacy, and community-based forest management, fostering inclusive and sustainable forest economies. Additionally, we led the Nepali journal series Hamro Ban Sampadha, focusing on critical topics such as women’s entrepreneurship, marketing challenges, and value chains. My article within this series emphasized the urgent need for gender-friendly technologies to support rural entrepreneurs, particularly addressing challenges around women’s mobility in enterprise development. These collaborative efforts reflect our shared commitment to bridging research and practical solutions for sustainable development.

More about the publications:

https://aaratikhatri.com.np/2024/12/08/green-enterprises-a-pathway-to-womens-economic-empowerment/

3. Knowledge Management and Dissemination

I authored impactful blogs on platforms like the Climate Development and Knowledge Network, focusing on key themes such as green enterprises, sustainable livelihoods, and plastic pollution. Through these blogs, I depicted the intersection of environmental sustainability and community development, bringing attention to marginalized groups and their role in fostering climate resilience. Additionally, I co-led the production of a documentary that showcased the pivotal role of women in rural entrepreneurship and forest-based enterprises, shedding light on their contributions to sustainable livelihoods. My written work also extended to national daily newspapers, where I authored articles advocating for the inclusion of women and differently-abled individuals in community forest management, further reinforcing my commitment to promoting social and environmental justice. Here are the List and Link of the blogs and articles:

• Khatri, A. (2023, June 5). Green Enterprises are Empowering Marginalised Women and Beating Plastic Pollution. GLOW Programme, Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN).
• Baral, S., Khatri, A., & Bhandari, K. (2023, August 13). Seeing Construction Through Women’s Eyes: As a Cradle for Socio-Economic Resilience. GLOW Programme, Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN).
• Khatri, A., Baral, S., & Lama, K. (2024, February 6). Neglected Weeds Economically Empowers Through Rural Women’s Entrepreneurial Initiatives. ForestAction Nepal.
• Khatri, A., Baral, S.(2024, April 27), Including People with Disability in community Forests , The Annapurna Express
• Khatri, A., & Baral, S. (2023, March 27). Not Seeing The Wood For The Trees. The Annapurna Express.

4. Networking and Global Representation

I successfully took the case study of rural entrepreneurship initiatives to a global platform by representing the project findings at the International Young Scientist Forum, where I shared insights on sustainable livelihoods and forest-based enterprises. Additionally, I participated in the Locoforest International Training Program organized by the Swedish Forest Agency, further deepening my understanding of global forestry practices. As part of my leadership in international collaborations, I hosted representatives from the Swedish Forest Agency, showcasing rural entrepreneurship efforts in Nepal. This included emphasizing the importance of indigenous entrepreneurship and bamboo-based restoration initiatives in empowering marginalized communities. These global engagements not only expanded the project’s impact but also created opportunities for cross-cultural knowledge exchange, allowing me to advocate for the inclusion of rural communities in sustainable development conversations.

5. Supporting Market Access and Branding for Forest-Based Enterprises

In my role, I played a crucial part in supporting market access for forest-based enterprises by facilitating the development of value chains for locally produced forest products. I worked closely with women entrepreneurs to connect them with strong market networks, including international trade fairs and platforms like Udhami Ghar, which opened new avenues for their products. Additionally, I contributed to enhancing the marketability of these products by assisting in branding, labeling, and product photography, which helped showcase their unique qualities and eco-friendly aspects. Through these efforts, I ensured that the entrepreneurs not only gained recognition but also successfully accessed broader markets, promoting sustainable livelihoods and expanding their reach.

6. Key Roles in Policy Labs, Conferences, and Workshops

Throughout my journey, I have actively contributed to facilitating and documenting various policy labs, workshops, and conferences focused on community forestry, women’s empowerment, and sustainable development. These include national and international events such as the National Sharing Workshop on Women’s Economic Empowerment through Forest Solutions and the International Conference on Revitalizing Community Forestry. These platforms were instrumental in fostering dialogue on strengthening forest-based enterprises, enhancing the role of women in forestry, and addressing socio-environmental challenges. My role in these events involved facilitating sessions, capturing insights, and ensuring key takeaways were documented, helping to shape strategies for policy advocacy and community-driven solutions.

Find more about these events:

7. Digital Communicator

As a digital communicator and photographer, I have created content to disseminate project outcomes through wider social platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and various websites. Using my photography skills, I documented the field activities and the journey of these women entrepreneurs, capturing everything from the restoration process to the development of their products. This visual storytelling helped raise awareness and engage a broader audience in the impact of the project, showcasing the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of these women.

 We gained practical knowledge and experience in using these technologies for better forest resource management. The training was conducted with the expert guidance of trainers Mr. Navraj Shahi and Mr. Prabin Pandit, and was hosted at the Institute of Forestry, Pokhara, which provided a well-equipped IT Hall.

The program’s success was made possible through the support of volunteers, facilitators, and other contributing individuals. Our team A got recognition for the “Best Presenting Group,”

The event concluded with a message of unity and future success: “Unite to Ignite Change.”

Key components of the training included:

• Business and Entrepreneurship Development: The first two days focused on business planning and entrepreneurship fundamentals. Participants explored the Business Model Canvas, learned to pitch ideas, and understood the essentials of running a sustainable enterprise.
• Case Sharing: Entrepreneurs shared real-life experiences, including challenges and successes in the plywood and Allo industries, inspiring participants to embrace innovation and resilience.
• Marketing Strategies: Sessions emphasized the role of digital and non-digital marketing, product positioning, and the potential of sustainable materials like banana fiber.
• Field Excursions: Visits to Golden Nursery, tea enterprises, furniture industries, and large-scale manufacturers like Surya Nepal Cigarette Factory provided practical insights into operations, technology, and sustainability.
• Hands-on Training: Participants engaged in activities such as biochar production, organic manure preparation, and handmade Lokta paper making, highlighting eco-friendly business opportunities.
• Global and Local Perspectives: Sessions featured international case studies and idea pitching, fostering a global outlook while addressing local needs.
• The program culminated in evaluations and a closing ceremony celebrating the participants’ achievements. It not only provided entrepreneurial and technical skills but also inspired participants to explore sustainable, forest-based business ventures.

Gender and social inclusion expert Dibya Devi Gurung noted that women are disproportionately affected based on identity, geographical location, and resource access. She emphasized the vulnerability of Chepang women and others from marginalized groups who face multiple layers of discrimination. Similarly, President Chure-Tarai Madhes Conservation Development Board Assistant Secretary Srijana Shrestha pointed out how invasive plant species, a consequence of climate change, further strain women’s daily efforts to collect forest resources. Adivasi Janajati and Local Community Manager Kamala Thapa referred to the IPCC’s sixth report, reinforcing that indigenous women are among those most severely impacted by climate change.

I presented on the Youth Perspective on Climate Change during a round-table discussion conducted by Annapurna Post and AP1 TV. My contribution centered on important role of youth in addressing climate change, emphasizing innovative solutions, awareness-building, and the importance of engaging young people in sustainable practices to mitigate its impacts.

Conducting and documenting interviews about the livestock insurance scheme, a highly beneficial initiative for farmers in the Gaurishankar Conservation Area to mitigate human-wildlife conflict.

Reporting on a snow-leopard-based art workshop held in the Gaurishankar Conservation Area, showcasing how art fosters community engagement in conservation.

Covering the Story of the Snow Leopard, capturing its ecological importance and cultural significance.

Location: Bhujel Village, Nepal