By Daryl Caggiano | Ambitious Girls Fund Program Coordinator
Taylor Knoop is an American college student spending a semester in Nepal while volunteering for EDWON. On a visit to Mulpani in Baglung District in August, 2014, she interviewed a young charismatic woman called Pabitra, a beneficiary of the Ambitious Girls Fund (AGF). Taylor describes Pabitra, 24, as “the brightest light in the room.” This is her story:
Pabitra was married off as a 9th grader at the tender age of 17—an all too common situation for rural girls—and soon she gave birth to a daughter. But, against all odds, Pabitra continued with her schooling. She even managed to pass the demanding national standard exam (SLC) at the end of 10th grade—no small feat for a Dalit girl. Pabitra had a burning wish to learn even more, but dared not dream to continue beyond 10th grade.
Mulpani is home to 5 EDWON women’s groups. Pabitra joined the Laligurans Group shortly after her marriage and became an active member. With small, short-term loans, she built a modest vegetable and egg business—while raising her daughter and keeping house.
Through her women’s group, she also heard of EDWON’s Ambitious Girls Fund—a modest stipend to help Dalit girls with post 10th grade education. Grade 11 and 12 offers vocational training or prepares young women for further study.
Since Pabitra is ambitious and practical, she received the AGF stipend and went back to school for 11th and 12th grade. Her studies focused on education. She told Taylor that Nepali was her favorite subject because she “so enjoyed the stories, grammar lessons, and reading—especially poems, songs, and biographies.” All through school she remained active in the women’s group, conducted her business, cared for her daughter, and gave birth to a second child.
Pabitra’s husband was working in Dubai and, following Nepali practice, Pabitra was living with his parents. While traditional in-laws treat the daughter-in-law as a simple servant, Pabitra is lucky with hers: her unusual mother-in-law supports her in her wish to go to school, while offering help with the children.
Pabitra graduated from 12th grade in 2011. She is continuing to learn new skills, namely sewing and computer skills, in the hopes of one day becoming a fashion designer.
With modest investments EDWON is good at removing tiny, but insurmountable obstacles for marginalized women and girls.
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