Pramila made our concerns heard in the local government. She brought water back into our pipes.
When progress threatened basic needs
In the mountainous village of Haldyaam, in far western Nepal, a newly constructed dirt road promised better access and opportunity. But it came at an unexpected cost, the road construction destroyed the village’s water pipes.
For a time, we had to rely on the nearby river, it was a huge burden.
For two months in 2024, women and families walked 30 minutes round-trip to collect water for cooking, bathing, livestock, and small vegetable gardens.
Their local representative, Pramila Devi Bhul, stepped in. Despite severe municipal budget cuts, she raised the issue repeatedly in ward and municipal meetings, and succeeded in securing 300,000 NPR (€2,161) to repair the water system.
The damaged pipes were replaced and installed underground, protecting them from future road works. Water flowed back into homes.
Delivering for her community
Pramila is a ward member in Ganyapdhura Rural Municipality-3, a remote area where livestock still outnumber cars on the roads. She is soft-spoken, but persistent, and deeply trusted.
Pramila’s leadership journey began early. As a child, she watched her father serve as a respected community figure. But like many women in rural Nepal, her dreams were put on hold after early marriage and the demands of raising a family.
“I was overwhelmed by household responsibilities,” she recalls. “My dream of leadership faded.”
Her re-entry into public life began through the Sayapatri Female Small Farmer Cooperative, where her literacy skills helped her rise from member to treasurer. In 2017, she was encouraged to run as a ward member representing the Dalit community, a group that has faced generations of discrimination and exclusion.
With the support of her husband and extended family, Pramila took on the role, becoming the first Dalit ward member in her area.
Learning the skills to lead
During her first term, Pramila struggled to be heard.
Decision-making was dominated by men,” she says. “Women were expected to be present, not vocal. I lacked confidence and knowledge of the system.
That changed when she joined Oxfam’s Women’s Leadership Platform in Nepal. Through targeted training, Pramila built skills in public speaking, proposal writing, budget planning, and understanding government processes and women’s rights.
She quickly put those skills into action.
During her first term, she secured 400,000 NPR (€2,882) to fund tailoring training and sewing machines for 18 women in her ward. After her re-election in 2022, three of those women went on to receive advanced training and open businesses.
“The sewing machine is now my main source of income,” says Reshma Kumari Nepali, who runs a tailoring shop near the main road. “They even helped repair my shop roof.”
During her first term, she secured 400,000 NPR (€2,882) to fund tailoring training and sewing machines for 18 women in her ward. After her re-election in 2022, three of those women went on to receive advanced training and open businesses.
“The sewing machine is now my main source of income,” says Reshma Kumari Nepali, who runs a tailoring shop near the main road. “They even helped repair my shop roof.”
Supporting women farmers
In rural Nepal, agriculture increasingly falls on women as men migrate abroad for work. Yet farming in Haldyaam was limited by water scarcity, with only one planting season possible each year.
Pramila pushed for change.
In the 2023–2024 budget, she successfully advocated for 700,000 NPR (€5,044) to install a water-lifting irrigation system, pumping river water uphill into storage tanks for nearby fields.
The impact was immediate.
“Before, we waited for the monsoon to plant,” says farmer Bimala Deuba. “Now we can grow crops year-round. Our wheat fields are thriving.”
Families who once bought food now grow enough to last the year.
A trusted voice in local government
Pramila’s hands-on approach, visiting households, sharing information about training opportunities, farming subsidies, and education scholarships, has earned her deep respect.
In 2022, she was re-elected in a contested race and appointed to the Municipal Executive Committee, giving her direct influence over planning and budget decisions.
“Her understanding of local governance is a huge asset,” says Ward Chairperson Chakra Bahadur Deuba. “Her presence at executive level strengthens our ability to deliver for the community.”
In 2022, she was re-elected in a contested race and appointed to the Municipal Executive Committee, giving her direct influence over planning and budget decisions.
“Her understanding of local governance is a huge asset,” says Ward Chairperson Chakra Bahadur Deuba. “Her presence at executive level strengthens our ability to deliver for the community.”
Looking ahead
“I want to keep serving my people,” Pramila says. “I hope to take on more decision-making roles so I can do even more.”
From restoring water access to supporting women’s livelihoods and strengthening food security, Pramila’s leadership shows what’s possible when women have the skills, confidence, and opportunity to lead, and when communities are heard.
