Empowering Young Women in Nepal

Michelle Obama told Smarties around the world to “choose books over boys.” But what happens when that choice is not as simple? Education is power and as the late Nelson Mandela once said, “Education is the greatest weapon one can use to change the world.” Weaponry aside, the strength of education is crucial for young women. It is imperative that we reach the vulnerable corners of the world and offer girls a new path and opportunity for their future — an opportunity to gladly choose books over boys.

Empowering girls in those vulnerable areas is precisely why Bibhuti Aryal founded the Rukmini Foundation in Nepal. In Hinduism, Rukmini was the rescued wife of Krishna. This namesake fits perfectly for an organization that is dedicated to empowering young girls with the resources and education that they need for a brighter future by rescuing them from a history of oppression and challenge.

On April 25th 2015, Nepal experienced a human travesty. Almost 9,000 people were killed and 23,000 were injured in a 7.8 magnitude earthquake, according to the United States Geological Survey. The Rukmini Foundation’s mission to “improve the lives of underprivileged girls by empowering them through a holistic program of quality education, supportive mentoring services and a physical well-being program,” became even more important as more girls became impoverished and in need of immediate assistance because of the earthquake.

The Rukmini Foundation has a list of success stories, but Anita’s story is one that touched me the most. Both of her parents passed away when she was young and resulted in her drive to fulfill her education to be completely lost. She simply quit going to school. The Rukmini Foundation was by her side and encouraged her to further her education and use her experience to help others. Anita graduated from 12th grade in 2015 and is now studying to become a nurse so that she can help other people who deal with tragedies like the ones that she endured at such a young age.

Nepal still grieves for its devastating losses. Reconstruction is a long winding road, presenting more obstacles sometimes than solutions, but in the midst of the extensive renewal and rebuilding comes an empowered group of girls who are the hope and future of a beautiful nation.

Smart Girls, if you’d like to learn more about the Rukmini Foundation, check out their website here.

If you’re interested in helping those affected by the earthquake in Nepal, our pals at One.org have curated a list of responsible organizations that are focused on relief efforts here.

Photo Credit: Jenny Downing | Flikr