The Women of Kopila Valley
Wednesday, March 04, 2020
This International Women's Day we are highlighting some of the amazing women at Kopila Valley. We've asked them each a few questions, including what being a woman means to them. Keep reading to see what these amazing women have to say.
Maggie Doyne, & CEO
What does being a woman mean to you?
I’m really proud to be a woman. I think it’s a huge advantage of working in Nepal in this sector because I feel like women open up a lot more easily to other women in ways that they wouldn’t do so culturally with men. But also being a woman means that we have to fight a lot harder for basic rights and in the context of Nepal, against violence against women. So it’s definitely made me really aware of the issues women are facing and how privileged I am to have grown up in the culture I was brought up in.
What is your favorite thing about working BlinkNow/Kopila Valley?
My favorite thing about working at BlinkNow is seeing people come together and joining forces in our mission. Being surrounded by kids all the time, and their joy, and their smiles, and their happiness. Feeling like and knowing that we’re making a direct impact on their lives for the better.
Who is your female role model? What do you admire about her?
The writer Cheryl Strayed, who has been here to Kopila. She is definitely my feminist icon and I love the way she cares about kindness and love and lifting up women. I’m also really impressed by Melinda Gates and the recent stance that she’s taken in “The Moment of Lift” and getting women access to reproductive rights and health. And I really love the women who we work with. Everyone from the teachers to the social workers, to my fellow female friends at BlinkNow, to our female board members, community leaders, and the aunties who help with taking care of the kids. I don’t know where we’d be without them.
What advice would you give to your daughters?
My advice for my daughters is to always stand up for themselves and fight for what they believe in. I want them to make sure that they know that they’re entitled to their own thoughts and opinions and that the fight is not over. And to be proud to be a woman, and who they are, and all of the things that come with being a woman.
Susmita Giri, Head of the English Department
Valley School
What does being a woman mean to you?
Women are not emotionally weak rather they are blessed with the power of acceptance. They may shed the have a super strong ability to face the problems and move ahead.
What is your favorite thing about working at Kopila Valley School?
My favorite thing about working at Kopila Valley is that we have the freedom to learn and implement different teaching methods in the classroom.
Who is your female role model? What do you admire about her?
A woman who inspires me is Abhaya Subba, the first of a rock band in Nepal. I look up to her because she is a strong and powerful woman who does what she wants despite cultural norms and stereotypes.
What advice would you give to your daughters?
Embrace the way you are (especially your physical appearance) and always dedicate yourself to learning, exploring knowledge, and pursuing your passion.
Rokaya, Graduate
Valley Women’s Center
What does being a woman mean to you?
There’s a huge misconception in our society that women are born as an inferior gender. So, as a woman, I've taken it as a challenge to prove that we are equally competent as men. My approach is to be fearless to make progress by learning every skill I can. This way, I can position myself better to challenge existing gender stereotypes.
What are you doing to acknowledge the upcoming Women’s Day?
Today I graduated from the Women’s Center training. These past six months have molded me into a different person. I’ve learned a lot here. I learned to speak up, be confident and more aware of my rights. I’m planning to visit my maternal home this week and will likely still be there on Women’s Day. I’ll spend the day sharing what I learned, so they too can be aware of the rights and potential of women.
Who is your female role model? What do you admire about her?
I’ve always looked up to my mom– a very supportive and kind woman. She has never discriminated against me over my brothers and provided equal opportunities to all of her children. Whenever I’m on the verge of giving up on challenges, she’d always urge me to be brave and persistent. She’d tell me that I have to succeed, more so than others because I’m a woman.
What advice would you give to your daughters?
I try to take my daughter everywhere with me because I want her to see the world from a young age. I want to make her understand that there’ll be lots of obstacles in every walk of life. I want her to know that we can work to overcome obstacles. My advice to her would be to not run away from problems. But rather, be brave to face it by learning to navigate the ocean.
Bishna Shahi, Kitchen Staff
Kopila Valley Children's Home
What does being a woman mean to you?
I often wished I was born male. That way, I wouldn’t have to face the stigmas of being female. I was just seven when my father died. My two younger sisters and I were all my mother had. It suddenly became an all-female family. That was when my mom started receiving hatred from our community. They’d talk about her behind our back. She was hated and humiliated for being a widow; as if women can’t survive without male family members. She’d have nobody to take care of her when she grew old, they’d say. After all, daughters go live in the husband’s house after getting married. People saw her as a bad omen. Her presence wasn’t welcomed anywhere. But she shrugged it off, put up a façade of a strong woman, and braved the storm. She did it for four years – until it was just too much that she couldn’t anymore. That’s when she decided to get remarried. All of us moved to our step-father’s house and were raised there. And sometimes I wonder– would she have had to get remarried against her wish if she were male or at least had a son? The answer is a resounding no. Such type of blatant inequality is why I wished I were born a male. Now the circumstances are changing. Slowly but steadily, we are making progressive strides towards gender equality. These outdated perceptions are losing the ground. I’m finally starting to appreciate the beauty of being a woman. And I’ll not let society drag me down anymore. No longer will I feel helpless again.
What are you doing to acknowledge this day?
I have previously participated in lots of rallies on Women’s Day. This time, however, I’ll see what happens!
Who is your female role model? What do you admire about her?
Some so many strong women have inspired me. One of them is Hima Rai, my supervisor in my previous workplace. I like her because she is very kind and helpful to everyone around her. She’s also very passionate about what she does. I’ve never seen her getting angry. I envy her self-control.
What advice would you give to your daughters?
I have two young daughters. And like every mother, I love them dearly. I want to see them grow up as a strong woman. My advice to them is to be open to new experiences, eat healthy foods, and always remember that we are no less than anyone.
Sheela Bogati, Program Coordinator
BlinkNow
What does being a woman mean to you?
For me, feminism represents strength. We have to work and struggle twice as much to reach the same level as our male counterparts. We should be proud of our strength!
What are you doing to acknowledge this International Women’s Day?
On this special day, I’m reflecting upon the dedication, achievements, sacrifice, and impacts of women all around the world.
Who is your female role model? What do you admire about her?
I get a lot of inspiration from Mother Teresa. She embodies all the characteristics we should have as human beings – loving and caring for others, and a strong sense of humanity.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Never underestimate your power. Everyone holds the ability to accomplish what they wish for. There may be times when you don’t feel adequately supported by your community, family, and friends. Some may even try to pull you down. But rather than being distracted by small problems, stay focused on achieving your bigger goal.