Arriving in Kathmandu a few years back and being my own perception and/or projection, was that those of the opposite sex seemed a bit shy and timid, at least in the sense of making eye contact and starting up a conversation. Perhaps that's why when I met Maria Rai she really stood out from the local crowd. Mother, local RJ, Activist, and Supervisor at a locally based International Non-Governmental Organization (INGO), Maria Rai is best characterized as a living dynamo. Certified as a Professional Woman by the American Biographical Institute (ABI), she is also certifiably funny (I won't say "nut" here in print). She is also a very approachable and personable people-person. She agreed to do this interview without a second thought:
Maria: I work for a large INGO (as a supervisor) whose goal is to help the poorest of the poor in Nepal in terms of healthcare, infrastructure, etc. I like my job because it's very challenging while at the same providing lots of job satisfaction: when you work with the poor it's like helping yourself get better. I actually never thought I'd wind up working for an NGO - when I came to Nepal after schooling in Singapore I actually started my career selling cars, among working other jobs like RJ at Hits FM 100 and Times FM 90.6…yes, I was one of the first women to sell BMWs and Land Rovers here in Kathmandu! But in the future I want to work more in remote areas within the communities, in the area of child education, with the poorer children of Nepal - I just love children.
Wave: It's seems like you are one busy woman: family, volunteer work, full-time job, extra-curricular activities like producing radio shows and whatnot; how do you manage to do so much and still stay healthy?
Maria: Time management has to be there, and quality time has to be produced - one can't juggle so many things at the same time.
Wave: You laugh a lot. How important is having a sense of humor in the workplace?
Maria: A sense of humor is very important at work, because you get tense most of the time and if you don't have a sense of humor it's like having a bad day all the time. Having a sense of humor keeps you "up."
Wave: You are Nepali, born here, but grew up as a child in Singapore, so what affect do you think that had on your working career in Nepal?
Maria: Yes, I left Nepal when I was 4 and came back 21 years later. One bad thing is that my written Nepali is not so good (I learned to write Malay and English instead). One needs good writing skills in both Nepali and English here to get a good job. I need to work on that. But from many angles, growing up in a first world country and coming back to a third world one broadened my thinking, helped me better understand the situation here in Nepal, and has given me something of value to pass on to the people of Nepal.
Wave: You've undoubtedly have heard about the "Glass Ceiling" in the west that professional women managers often bump up against; for example, during higher-grade job selections or promotions, with all things being equal, a male candidate more often gets the job over a female one for no other reason then he's the "man." Do these kinds of situations exist here in Nepal, and what are your views on the subject?
Maria: Well, as you know, many NGOs are working on gender equities and other women's issues here in Nepal, and living in a male dominated country makes it a struggle for most women; we are still in a struggling stage - instead of talking about a glass ceiling, we are still fighting for simple status. It's going to take some time…
Wave: So, what advice do you have for young women just starting out on a career here in Nepal?
Maria: Well, you are skilled and you are talented, educated, and you want to respect your parents, but when the time comes to get married, your parents want you in the home. Well, my advice to you is that you can do both. Make your family and make yourself happy…whatever you want to do!
Wave: Besides work, what are some of the other things that you like to do? How do you "play?"
Maria: [laughter] I'm good at dancing, I like nature walking, long walks with friends, and I like to cook! I'm not good at cooking, but I like it [more laughter].
Wave: Any last words for our readers: tips, advice, or encouragements on career?
Maria: Our country is going through a very grave problem, still, problems or no problems, there's a job out there that you can do, if you are the right person for the job, you can get it. Educate yourself, have patience, send out your CV to many many places – never give up!
Profile of a Dynamo Girl
Maria Rai, INGO Supervisor
• Well educated.
• Member of several Professional Associations.
• Balances Family and Work.
• Likes meeting people, walking, cooking.
• Active volunteer in the community.
• Time-managed & organized yet "loose" at the same time
• A great sense of humor.
