Jhapa: In a significant step towards financially independence, the sexual and gender minority community in Jhapa has opened ‘Indreni Sewaro Khaja Ghar’, an eatery, in Damak-6.

Financially supported by the Ministry of Social Development of Koshi Province, and operated by Raj Magar and Anish Acharya, the project aims to provide accessible services in a safe environment, targeting members of the community in particular.

The owners expressed hope that the venture could serve as a model business for the province with plans for its expansion to other parts of the province in the future.

The project is part of the ministry’s broader initiative to empower the SGM community by making them self-reliant and ensuring their equal rights and respects. The ministry’s initiative is being implemented in partnership with various non-governmental organisations, and the ministry allocated over Rs 100 million for the project in the current fiscal year, 2024/25.

According to the ministry, as part of this initiative, 20 third gender individuals have received training, and are preparing to launch their own businesses in Jhapa, Morang and Sunsari districts.

Durga Baral, Chief of the Social Development Division, said that the ministry provided the seed money to three organisations to provide training and resources to SGM individuals helping them start their own businesses.

“They (SGM community) are running businesses after receiving training,” she said, “Their progress will be reviewed.” She also expressed optimism that other provinces would follow suit if the project proves successful.

The ministry has been promoting small-scale enterprises, like salons, and eateries, within the SGM community, as these businesses require less budget. “This is just the beginning,” said Baral.

Numa Limbu Chanchala, programme coordinator for LEAD Nepal, a partner organisation in the ministry’s initiative, expressed hope that such businesses would help the SGM community achieve financial independence, facilitate their reintegration into society, and support their fight for equality and inclusivity.