The art of weaving is a traditional practice in Nepal, especially in hilly and mountainous regions. The two women Patali Tamang (45 years) and Saili Tamang (37 years) started carpet weaving at a young age. However, due to the unfavorable economic situation in their hometowns, they were compelled to work in the cities 60 km away in small rented homes. After the earthquake of 2015, both of their families returned to their village in Temal, 90 km southeast of Kathmandu. Although the village was connected to the national grid, the families were not and deprived due to their weak financial situation. With no access to electricity, they were only engaged in agricultural activities to meet their basic needs. Through EnDev's grid densification program and in coordination with the CREE of Temal, nine MSMEs were supported to get access to the grid. With lighting generated through the electricity access, Patali and Saili are able to invest their time in weaving carpets even in the early mornings or evenings which enabled them to complete one carpet in 20 days which otherwise would take around twice the time. With an additional income of NPR 35,000 (Euro 248) both of them happily remarked "Now we are financially capable of supporting our children in their education."
