I believe that I must be treated equally and opportunities must come my way based on my abilities.

Om Devi Malla 
Chairperson, National Cooperative Federation of Nepal 

Om Devi Malla is the first woman to become Chairperson of National Cooperative Federation of Nepal and the first elected Nepali woman to become a Global Board Member of International Cooperative Federation (ICA) in 2017. Malla entered the NCF as Director and has been a national representative at International Cooperative Federation programmes from more than 10 countries. “During my leadership, we introduced a rule to have 33% reservation for marginalised women in cooperatives from the primary to the national level,” she states. 

Since 1997, she has been an active campaigner for women’s empowerment through cooperatives particularly in her role as the first woman member of the Legislative Parliament of Nepal. She played a constructive role in the drafting of the constitution in 2015, and raised her voice in the parliament for women empowerment in cooperatives. Prior to this, in 2008 when the state decided to amend the constitution for cooperatives, Malla was invited as an expert from the cooperative sector. She played an important role in recognising cooperatives as one of the three important pillars of the national economy. This brought about a revolutionary change in the cooperative industry during a time when most of them were failing.

Malla has a Master’s degree in Sociology and Anthropology from Tribhuvan University; she focused on cooperatives as her major thesis subject. During her tenure at National Cooperative Federation, she also received the opportunity of a full scholarship in India. She became the first Nepali cooperative woman leader who has completed a Diploma in Co-operative Education and Management provided by National Centre for Cooperative Education, New Delhi, India.

Malla presents herself as a confident and fearless woman who has successfully worked in a male dominated institution. “I created an environment where individuals wanted to work with me. They understood the importance of what I was trying to achieve, and many of my male colleagues supported me,” she shares.

She is recognised by her peers and colleagues as a professional of high values, a fast learner, a hard worker, and a leader who accepts challenges as opportunities. As a woman she has faced many drawbacks and challenges but she remains undeterred in her focus to grow and contribute as a woman leader.

In this edition of Business 360, Malla shares with us the five things that have impacted her work and life.

The men in my life

I was born and brought up in Dhuwakot, Gorkha. My father used to be the chief of the panchayat and a social worker during those times. Growing up, I have seen my father working for the poor, helping them in solving every small to big challenge that they often encountered in life. I used to see my father as an idol and follow him. I learned that if we are able to earn a reputation and invest our time in serving others then it is the greatest deed.

When I was handling Reliable Cooperative, Deepak Prakash Baskota was the President of National Cooperative Federation of Nepal. When he heard about me, he called me and made me a member of the federation. During his leadership, both my organisation and I got exposure to various training programmes and seminars.

Lastly, it would be my husband. When I filed my candidacy for Global Board Member of International Cooperative Federation, I had to deliver a speech. Back then I was not very good in English. So, my husband helped me in preparing my speech for the election. Whatever I wanted to say, I shared it with him in Nepali and he translated it into English. The night before the election, my husband helped me make the speech short and clear. I read aloud and my husband listened and filtered out things. This helped me gain confidence. If my husband had not been there for me then who would have made that speech ready for me? Who would have listened to me until late at night?  My husband provided me with the support and power.

Entering the cooperative sector

Around 1999, opening up a cooperative used to be a trend. My sibling planned to establish one and he invited me to join as a partner. Initially, I did not have much knowledge of cooperatives since I was involved in the developmental sector from the early days of my career. I would even say that cooperative was not my choice, it chose me to serve it. Gradually, I developed an interest and learned many things.  But one day, all my partners left the company as they had other important commitments and they were not able to give much time. They handed over the cooperative to me. In 2002, I became the president and helped the company to rise again. Due to this, I got to participate in many national and international programmes. I vividly remember a time when I received an opportunity to represent Nepal at the annual general meeting of International Cooperative Alliance in Geneva, Switzerland. In that meeting, I saw so many women who were representing in various leadership positions and they were giving powerful speeches. I was inspired by them. I was so motivated that I decided to file my candidacy for the federation. This changed my life course.

Choosing to lead

Through my experiences, I have noticed it is difficult for a woman to come forward in leadership positions. And even if females reach that level, they are always sidelined into the shadow and not celebrated. For example, if any male would have achieved the things that I have achieved so far, then I am sure that various media would have covered me. The issues I raise could even have become a national agenda but since a woman was there, nobody bothered. Also, I have observed that if you have male colleagues in higher positions then they will support you until you are a step below them but when you start competing with them for the same position, they will not like it. They will start putting you down. It is hard to believe but men start spreading rumours about your character, pointing out at your inabilities in public, play politics and what not. They are ready to have the same male leader but are not ready to accept a female taking over for the first time. I recall the election period at NCF when even after being appointed as president, it was hard for me to actually claim myself as the president.

These instances negatively affected me for some time but I chose to use it as an  opportunity to show my power and strength, to fight back and to prove myself.

I am not a woman who wants sympathy. I believe that I must be treated equally and opportunities must come my way based on my abilities. I also believe that women can do better than men. A woman knows the importance of values and ethics, she carries traits like transparency, patience and goodness. In many of the speeches that I give, I say, “Ladies just grab the 33% opportunities you are provided with. That is the leverage you are getting for your self-improvement and growth.”

Success comes with hard work and sacrifice

In my journey I have been through a lot. I have faced many bad incidents both in my personal and professional life. But whatever might be happening in my personal life, I never delayed or shied away from my responsibilities. I used to always worry about people dominating me because of my gender. Therefore, I never gave them a chance to point a finger at me. For instance, I never reached late for meetings or left the workplace early. I never missed a meeting. I never attended meetings without being informed. I raised my voice when I had to. I always questioned the things that I have disliked or were not in the benefit of everyone. 

After serving various positions, I have realised that your ability and qualifications are always respected. You must be ready to work hard. You must be determined and patient. People will sympathise for some time but at the end of the day you have to prove yourself. You have to make yourself capable. Whatever sector you are in, you must work on yourself and try to achieve bigger things in life. As women, we not only have to participate but should be able to participate meaningfully. Only when you believe you are the best can you go higher. You should always aim big.

Family and faith are everything

Whatever I am today is because of my family. More than 50% of the contribution was provided by my father. He has been my role model since childhood. From providing me with the name ‘Om Devi’ and mentioning my characteristics as a goddess who will be known to the world to providing me with blessings after he died. I always pray to him and all my ancestors as well as my family. Because of this everything has been in my favour. For instance, me not receiving a ticket in politics for the second time, me announcing my candidacy to the International Alliance, not knowing English but having that courage to speak in Malaysia, my husband who had his PhD exam during that time, it got shifted earlier which is why he went along with me. If anything is meant to happen, it will happen no matter what, is something I believe in.  Therefore, wherever I go, home and my family are the ultimate place I seek.

For every individual to achieve bigger things in life, their family sacrifices. Even in my case, if my children had not stayed with other family members when I was out for months for studies, it would not have been possible for me to earn a degree. Your children also add value. Family creates an environment for you.