VOF Week 2: (A journey that is mine and yours)

A lady is lying on the hospital bed, screaming with the labor pain. Relatives are waiting for the “good news.” The spasm ceases, and the nurse announces that it is a baby girl. Everybody is disappointed-the excitement fades. Someone starts weeping-it’s my grandmother. She weeps because I am born. She doesn’t even hold me-a third grand daughter was the last thing she wanted.

I was told about this when I started understanding the world around me, when I was brought in terms with the fact that our society is a male-centric one and a girl child is perceived to be a burden to the family-who is supposed to be sent away to another family. Tending to her needs and investing in her education is purposeless. I could not accept this, and I never accepted it. I don’t know the source of my audacity, but I have always rebelled and have always fought to get everything equivalent to my brother (who was born after me, thank god my grand mom’s wish came true!). I had to face raised eyebrows from my folks many a times because of the kind of person I am. On my quest to prove that I am no less superior to any boy, I have worked hard. Today, when I see my parents beaming with pride over my achievements, I thank my stars.

After completing my higher secondary education, I wanted to join a college in the capital city of Kathmandu. Dad was not sure of my decision-sending a girl away for education was not ordinary then. Dad was in India to help my brother get admission in some good school in India (boys were of course allowed to stay away from the family). My deadline was approaching and my dad would not let me travel alone. Since it was very important for me to leave- I left for Kathmandu without informing dad-I had no alternative. Initially upset, my dad understood me and let me pursue my dream. Cocooned since childhood, coming to Kathmandu was a life-changing experience. Despite the challenges of coping up with the fast life here, the lonesome moments, the embarrassment for having to stay with relatives-I have loved every moment of it.

I don’t call myself a feminist but I am not oblivious to the hardships that scores of women face in the world around me. I joined World Pulse the moment I came to know about it because I felt that it is this forum that will help me advocate for issues that I strongly believe in. Words to me are the most powerful weapon and I intend to use this weapon to bring a change. I have read hundreds of sad stories of women, some original, and some fabricated. World Pulse brings to us uncensored stories, direct from the pens of women around the world. Each story at World-Pulse has inspired me to no end, and I applaud every woman for their potency and their endurance-you all stir me from within!