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A Voice For the Voiceless

The Advocacy Project helps marginalized communities to tell their story, claim their rights and produce social change. We recruit graduate students to volunteer as Peace Fellows with partners.

The Impact of Service "Speaking with locals and living in a country is the best way to learn about the real lives of citizens, not just the stories in the mainstream media. I will be more critical of what I read as a result of this experience. I also feel even more grateful for my education, and I feel a stronger responsibility to assist others who do not have resources or access to opportunities in their communities." Maria Skouras (New York University) volunteered in 2011 as a Peace Fellow for eHomemakers in Malaysia. For more 2011 feedback click here.

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Partner Campaigns > Women's Repro... > Women at Risk > Heavy Workload > Sajani Devi Chaud...

Sajani Devi Chaudhary

Life for many women in Nepal is filled with grueling daily work, which can have disastrous reproductive health consequences.

Sajani Devi Chaudhary has given birth six times – four times with a prolapsed uterus. A combination of  the heavy work common for Nepalese women and poor nutrition after giving birth prevented her body from healing properly.

Throughout her pregnancies, and even on the day of giving birth, Sajani carried out her work. Typical work included grinding, foot-milling rice, getting water, and doing field work. On the day that her uterus prolapsed, Sajani was carrying water home to her family as she did each day.

Compounding her heavy workload, Sajani’s poor nutrition did not ease the burden on her stressed body. After giving birth she ate nothing but dried ginger, salt, oil, and rice for twelve days.    

At one point she told her mother about the problem and went to her house and was able to rest. Sajani was able to go to mother’s house and rest approximately for about 15 to 30 days each year. However, the relief was short-lived. When she started working again, her prolapse became much worse.  

Sajani does not do the heavy work anymore because she is too old. Her prolapse has caused backaches and difficulty walking and lifting. Previously, she had a very bad infection, but it has been addressed with mediation. Her uterus is currently hanging out completely, including ligaments.  

Sajani’s daughter-in-laws have the same problem.  “What can I do?  We are two and have to work,” she says. Asked why so many women have this problem, Sajani replies that most of them have to work hard and lift heavy –  they do not have any other options.

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