International non-governmental organization Care Nepal presented certificates of appreciation and a cash award of Rs40,000 each to 15 women for their entrepreneurship amid a function on Monday.

The women, all from economically poor backgrounds, went into business for themselves by starting livestock farms, beauty parlours and other enterprises.

Mina Kumari Gurung of Kaski went into livestock farming and earns a decent living. “Not only men but women can also be independent and bring change in the country,” she said.

Likewise, Sitan Devi of Kailali, who faced mistreatment from her family, opened a beauty parlour and has become a successful women entrepreneur. According to Devi, she left her family to start a new life. After the success of her business, her family has started treating her well, she said.

Care Nepal said they planned to make a video of these women entrepreneurs and different case studies to publicize their efforts and encourage women to go for self-development.