The population in Lumbini is primarily engaged in agriculture, lacking other employment opportunities. Many young people drop out of school, with young men seeking work abroad and young women staying at home awaiting marriage. In local marriage customs, the groom does not need to provide a dowry; instead, it is the bride's family that gives a dowry.  The younger the bride, the lower will be the dowry.  This has lead parents to go into debt to marry off their daughters.

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Tzu Chi has initiated various vocational training programs, encouraging women to develop practical skills. This not only enables them to earn a living independently but also helps share the financial burden of the family. In addition to sewing classes and short-term courses such as handmade soap making and cloth sanitary napkin production, Tzu Chi also invests in computer training courses and provides teaching resources.