Nepali women in Portugal helping Nepali fellows in difficulties

– Bhagawan Giri

Having had no past experience of living in a foreign country, Sushila Thapa of Kathmandu had to face many difficulties during her initial days in Portugal.

She had gone through various problems like language difficulty and lack of work skills, and taken long time to adapt to the new environment. But now she is well-known about a foreign living, has acquired work experience, and is moving a step forward to help others like her in the past. She personally helps Nepalis trapped in difficulties in Portugal, apart from her engagement with various organisations working for the welfare of Nepali migrants in the country.

"I am very happy that I am helping out Nepalis in difficulties here. But women’s contribution is negligible in the eyes of men, which disappoints me. However, I am content with my job," said Thapa, who reached Portugal 10 years ago in search of job opportunities.

She is associated with many Nepali organisations working for the welfare of Nepali migrants like Nepali Ekata Manch, Nepali Nari Samaj, Non-Resident Nepalis Association and Nepali Mahila Samaj.

Many Nepali people go to Portugal in search of job opportunities. Language difficulty and lack of job skills are common problems shared by all Nepalis here.

Like Sushila, other Nepali women who are in Portugal are also involved in social service along with their regular work at present.

Sita Shrestha, who is in Portugal for the past two years, has been extending a helping hand to fellow Nepalis at times of need. She is the woman vice-president of the Non Resident Nepalis Association (NRNA) Portugal. She has also the experience of working with the Nepali Nari Samaj (Nepali Women’s Society), Portugal. Her experience is that one has to face lot of blame while working in social service.

Shrestha has rescued Nepalis who have been addicted to drug and living in the streets in Portugal. She has also found work for them.

According to her, as in Nepal the Nepali women in Portugal also face many problems. "Like in Nepal, women in abroad too are suffering from physical, mental and economic problems. The mindset of Nepalis who have grown up in a patriarchal society has to change," she said, adding that no matter how much you dedicate yourself in social service, the Nepali society always questioned their work.

"Every day, there is one or the other problem faced by women. We try to resolve the problem talking to both sides," Shrestha shared.

Nima Lhamu Sherpa of Dolakha who is here in course of work agrees with Shrestha. Sherpa is also the vice-president of Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities (NEFIN) Portugal.

She said she gets satisfaction on being able to extend support to the Nepalis in foreign land who are in distress. "I have the support of my family and I am in a position to help the Nepali diaspora here. We need to respect each other’s work," Sherpa said.