Women and Construction – a powerful combination

Mar 8, 2019

Last year, Habitat for Humanity New Zealand CEO, Claire Szabó joined one of our key partners, Buildtech, on a visit to Nepal.  During the visit, they spent time building alongside a number families, but it was Kala’s story that really stood out. As Kala and her daughter shared what they had been through, the team was struck by Kala’s courage and determination to overcome the challenges that she faced.

Kala lived on the banks of the river Biring and lost her home to the devastating floods.  Surviving on daily earnings of Rs.350 – 500 (Approx $3.50 – $5.00) as a labourer, Kala did not earn enough to support herself, 5 children and extended family members.  She made the heart-wrenching decision to send her three eldest children to work before they completed their schooling.

Even with the combined family income, Kala’s and her family could not afford to rebuild a safe, strong home.

Habitat worked alongside Kala, offering a pathway to strength and stability.  By bringing together the community, government agencies and other NGOs, Habitat is able to serve families like Kala’s who couldn’t easily access support otherwise.

In Nepal, we see what the impact of a decent home can have.

Click to hear what a decent home means to Kala, her daughter and other families in their own words.