Sunita: Working so Girls Can Dream
Wednesday, February 14, 2024
Born in Jumla, a very remote part of Nepal, Sunita grew up in a family and community steeped in patriarchy, with restrictive gender norms and taboos. She frequently helped support her family’s income during school breaks or even when attending school, tending to livestock before and after classes. This challenging environment made it difficult for her to prioritize her education.
As a daughter who spent her days taking cattle to the pasture and taking care of them, she loved animals. Whenever her animals got sick, she always wondered if there were doctors especially for animals who tend to them and help them get better. Unlike other girls in her village, she was fortunate to get an education. Her extended family residing in Khajura, Surkhet let her stay with them for the whole time she wanted to study veterinary medicine.
An abrupt detour from her dreams
Then one day, everything changed. “Fate has weird tactics. I had gone back to Jumla to give my veterinary exam. Just when I was finally mapping my future plans, my family married me off. I had given my exam, I even passed my exam, but my life came to an abrupt halt. I could see no way out. I left my dreams, my hopes, and my plans in Jumla when I left to live with my husband.
“As my husband went to work, I would often get very bored at home. I thought of practicing my veterinary skills and maybe getting a job, but I got pregnant, casting shadows on my dream.” Yet, within the confines of her new reality, Sunita still found strength.
“I went looking for any kind of job while I was pregnant. I was very aware of Kopila Valley School’s existence. I went there and knew that they were looking for staff to help around. Without thinking twice, I applied and eventually got in.”
A new life season
Now, Sunita works at Kopila Valley School’s ECV (Early Childhood Village). She looks after the little ones and is watching young dreams take shape. “My twin daughters literally grew up rolling and playing in the grounds of Kopila Valley School. When I look at all the children’s little faces, I see my daughters in them. I count myself among one of the luckiest people on this planet earth to be doing the job that I am doing. My dream may have gotten lost, but my daughters dream to be a doctor and an engineer.”
Sunita’s courage to break free from traditional roles and expectations within her family is forging a path for future generations of girls, inspiring them to aspire to greater heights and embrace their full potential.
And as she witnesses her daughters’ dreams unfurl, Sunita realizes that her own dreams have evolved, merging with the legacy she has created. In motherhood, she discovered a new path, where love and ambition intertwined harmoniously. Sunita’s journey serves as a beacon of hope for those facing their own struggles, a reminder that no matter how tough the road may be, they too can choose to be strong, just like Sunita.
She leaves us with this: “We carry all the power we need inside of us. Don’t let your dreams get chased away.”
We are thrilled to have one of our very own Kopila Valley School graduates writing BlinkNow stories! Anjali Karki graduated in 2019 and is pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism along with a journalism career.