From a simple housewife, she became a facilitator for Women Acting Together for Change (WATCH). She played a very crucial role in organising women and convincing them to join literacy classes, even providing a meeting place for these activities. Nirmala is so dedicated to her work that she became instrumental in freeing 46 families who were bonded labourers of a local landlord.

Nirmala provided a leadership role in the federation "Women Awareness Support Group" (WASG) and is actively pushing for the rights of indigenous, Muslim, caste and disadvantaged women. She is a an example of a dedicated social worker, and hopes that, "all rural and disadvantaged women (should) have their voices heard in all levels of decision-making….Rural women should have freedom to move, be educated, learn skills, and stand on their own feet." She will continue to spearhead campaigns on rural women's rights, health and livelihood, wage increases and against violence on women until gender equality is recognised and practised from household to national levels.

Nominated by:  Women Acting Together for Change (WATCH)
E-mail:  watchftp@wlink.com.np
Address:  572/45 Ram Mandir Marga, Dhobikhola, Battisputali, P.O. Box: 11321, Kathmandu, Nepal