SHE CREATES CHANGE

Room to Read, a global education nonprofit dedicated to eradicating illiteracy and gender inequality, announced a groundbreaking partnership with Warner Bros Discovery for the premier of ‘She Creates Change’ last month. This one-of-a-kind film series is a blend of animation and live action featuring the courageous stories of six young women from historically low-income communities in Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Tanzania and Vietnam. Every episode portrays how each girl confronts challenges unique to her life such as harassment, food scarcity or early marriage by advocating for herself and her future.

‘She Creates Change’ has garnered prestigious recognition, including selections at the Tribeca Festival, Manchester Animation Festival, London Short Film Festival, and the British Animation Awards. Its premiere as a feature-length film at the SXSW EDU Film Program further solidifies its impact and reach.

Through ‘She Creates Change’ – which includes books and audio stories in addition to the film series -Room to Read seeks to support all adolescent girls in the world with content that equips and inspires them to create positive change in their lives and communities. The film series has an all women team from backstage to on-stage. WOW catches up with a few of them to know more about the campaign.

Sapana Chepang

Practicing Nurse, Alumnus of Girls’ Education Programme

Sapana, an Alumnus of Girls’ Education Programme has her life story featured in ‘She Creates Change’. She is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Social Work in Canada. In 2020, Sapana was working as a frontliner in the Intensive Care Unit of Narayani Samudayik Hospital during the pandemic. In 2021, Sapana worked as a school nurse at Shree Bhandara Higher Secondary School, fulfilling a long-held desire to return and work in her hometown.

How do you see your journey?

It feels like a dream. As a child, I used to imagine being a medical professional and travelling to different communities for my work. And today, I am living my dream. However, it has surely been marked with challenges and adversity.

What does change mean to you?

Change, to me, signifies opportunity and evolution. It’s about embracing challenges, learning from experiences, and continuously striving for improvement. Change is not just about personal growth but also about catalysing positive transformation in the lives of others and the broader society.

‘She Creates Change’ features powerful stories of different girls. How does it feel to be among them?

Being among the powerful stories of ‘She Creates Change’ is both humbling and empowering. It’s a recognition of my efforts to contribute to meaningful change and a reminder of the collective power of individuals to drive social progress. To be alongside other girls who are making a difference reinforces my belief in the importance of our shared mission and amplifies the impact of our collective endeavours.

As a role model now, what are the changes you want to see in the times ahead?

I want to see greater opportunities for marginalised individuals to thrive; enhanced access to education and healthcare, and a society where diversity is celebrated and respected.

A quote you live by…

A quote that resonates deeply with me and guides my actions is: “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” It serves as a constant reminder of the power of individual agency and potential.

Salina Tamang

Senior Manager, Girls’ Education Programme, Room to Read

 With over 25 years of experience in the development sector, Salina has demonstrated adeptness in project leadership and programme management across diverse groups and themes. For 11 years, she has dedicated her expertise to advancing LGBTI rights with the Blue Diamond Society, focusing on advocacy, inclusiveness, and policy development. Transitioning to the role of Girls’ Education Programme manager at Room to Read, Salina is committed to expanding life skills education to all schools in Nepal. Her mission is to equip girls with the necessary skills to navigate their life choices and make informed decisions. Salina recognises the pressing need to address gender, equity, and social inclusion (GESI) concerns, particularly in the realm of climate adaptation and mitigation. She advocates for greater participation and decision-making power for women, girls, and marginalised groups in tackling these critical issues.

What changes have you witnessed among girls through Room to Read’s life skills education?

The impact of life skills curriculum is multi-faceted. It not only has helped girls complete their secondary education but has enhanced their individual capabilities and resilience to broader social change. In my seven years of leading Girls’ Education Programme, I have had the privilege of witnessing girls and the power of self. I have observed firsthand the increase in confidence and self-esteem among girls who have undergone life skills programmes.

I have seen girls once shy transitioning to leadership roles. For instance, someone became the child club president and is eradicating early marriage from her community. Young girls who did not know what dreams are, girls who are seen as a financial burden to their family are now taking ownership of their goals and their families are now encouraged to support girl education. I have seen their will for a passionate life increase and they are now completing secondary school education.

Could you share some life lessons you have learnt?

I understand the transformative power of quality education in breaking cycles of poverty, empowering individuals and communities, and fostering positive, sustainable change. However, I have come to realise that simply enrolling children in school isn’t enough to ensure quality education. As the saying goes, ‘It takes a village to raise a child.’ Indeed, it requires the collective effort of the community, schools, parents, and local government to nurture girls, allowing them to flourish and pursue their dreams. Collaboration has emerged as our most potent tool in this endeavour.

What message does ‘She Creates Change’ carry?

It is okay to be who you are: you are beautiful, you are strong, you are change.

Tell us about your association with ‘She Creates Change.’

Six stories from “She Creates Change” showcase a few of the numerous girls who are actively driving positive change for themselves, their families, and communities. For many girls, particularly those from low-income backgrounds and who are first-generation learners, navigating adolescence can be challenging without adequate support, whether emotional or in terms of life skills. This is where the Girls’ Education Programme plays a crucial role.

As the programme lead, I ensure the quality of the programme. This involves coaching and building the capacity of the GEP team, which ultimately ensures that every girl’s learning, self-awareness, and empowerment journey is meaningful. While I may not have the privilege of knowing each individual girl personally, I take pride in my work and can rest easy knowing that my efforts contribute to positive changes in girls’ lives, thus fostering global transformation through knowledge.

What will our tomorrow need?

Definitely and undoubtedly more girls who are empowered to pave their own path. This especially requires support from the government to scale life skills curriculum across the country. Good news is that Room to Read’s life skills curriculum is accredited by Curriculum Development Authority as a national level life skills curriculum. This means we are going the right way to support children with seven years of exclusive life skills.

The processes of change across gender, caste, equity unfold at different paces and different levels. They are neither linear, nor necessarily visible. When working on these issues, where does one begin?

When discussing gender, patriarchy, and various forms of discrimination, our society is deeply conditioned to avoid asking questions. Growing up, we often lack the vocabulary to articulate our rights and challenge cultural or gender-specific norms. First, let’s start by acknowledging that processes of change are multifaceted, often invisible, and nonlinear. We often talk about importance of policy advocacy, community-driven initiatives, and understanding the intersecting nature of gender, caste, and social identities, and all of this needs to go hand in hand.

From my experience as an education professional, I firmly believe that quality education serves as the earliest and most essential tool for driving the changes we aspire to see in the world. Education provides the foundation and backbone for cultivating critical thinking, empowering individuals to challenge injustices, and promoting an equal world for all.

How can we make sure that more girls are inspired to get an education and become changemakers?

Emphasising the importance of quality education is indeed crucial, particularly for millions of girls in historically low-income communities. For them, education isn’t just important; it’s their pathway out of poverty and towards liberation. When we speak of ‘changemakers’, it’s not merely about glorifying the transformative power of education, though undoubtedly, it holds immense potential for change; equally vital is the notion that girls themselves become agents of change. They must be empowered to navigate their own paths and actively shape their communities and the world around them.

Dhiksha

Student, Grade 10

Discriminated because of her dark skin, Dhiksha learnt her worth and potential through Room to Read life skill classes. She became a bold leader for girls in her community, successfully advocating against cultural norms and prevented girls from attending school during menstruation. Dhiksha’s journey from self-doubt to self-acceptance, from witnessing injustice to taking action with support and collaboration from family and friends, is a testament to the transformative power of developing self-confidence and using it to uplift others.

Dhiksha plans to work for gender equality when she is older. Her determination to fight against inequities serves as an inspiration to stand up for what is right and work towards a more inclusive and just society.

Dhiksha is one of the young girls from Nepal whose life story has been featured in the film.

How would you define your journey?

I am speechless to be featured in ‘She Creates Change’. My journey has been difficult. As a young girl, it is never easy to navigate the adolescent years, but even if it was difficult, believing in myself did work.

What does change mean to you?

It is inevitable, but also one can work on influencing the change to make it better for all. I am happy that I changed my mindset about the standards of beauty, and found inner acceptance.

‘She Creates Change’ has powerful stories of different girls. How does it feel to be among them?

Being featured in ‘She Creates Change’ alongside other brave young women is empowering. It’s a reminder that my story isn’t just mine alone, it’s a testament to the resilience and determination of girls everywhere. Together, we are challenging unjust traditions and striving for gender equality.

Being a role model now, what are the changes that you want to see in the coming times?

I want to inspire others to see themselves as the heroes of their own stories. I hope to see a future where girls everywhere are empowered to embrace their uniqueness, challenge injustice, and work towards a more inclusive and just society.

A quote you live by

We are flowers in the garden, different colours, size, origin; but we are all beautiful.

Megha Rana

Social Mobiliser, Banke District and Mentor for Dhiksha

Social mobiliser Megha’s mother was still in school when she was born. Her mother had to drop out of school. Their community was not always kind to the young mother, but she was determined to give Megha a better life. Megha’s mother and grandmother both have not completed school, and they have always shared with Megha how difficult it is to be illiterate, to not have an education.

Megha was raised by her grandmother who could not recognise words or letters. She has grown seeing women in her family strong emotionally, but she also wonders how strong they could have been with education. What would it have meant for them not have to be dependent on the male figures in the family. To not be heard or valued for your opinions or choices.

“I used to walk three hours to my school, and every time when I felt like it was not worth it, I would remember my grandmother,” recalls Megha.

Today, Megha is a social mobiliser, adored by the young girls she supports. “I see pieces of myself in the perseverance of the girls I mentor,” she says. Her proudest moment was when a girl who was bullied for her dark skin declared, “I don’t want to be fair, I want to be fearless.”

What is the biggest quality of Dhiksha?

Diksha’s greatest quality is selflessness, her friendly nature and discipline. She is also very introspective. She was recently able to speak her mind which I truly appreciate.

There are many young girls in our country who don’t have a mentor. Is mentorship important?

As a child I never had someone I could open up to, tell my deepest worries to or, rely on for suggestions. I lived with my grandmother and not everything I asked made sense to her. I would have loved to have a mentor.

At a young age, girls are troubled by many questions. We want to know how to make a future, what profession to embrace, what kind of friends to choose, what education to get, etc. In this confusion, having a mentor can be very enabling.

What message does ‘She Creates Change’ carry?

‘She Creates Change’ shares a very important message that every girl is capable of living her dream.

Tell us about your association with ‘She Creates Change’.

I work in the storytelling process. As a social mobiliser of Dhiksha, it has been a privilege to witness the remarkable transformation of Dhiksha’s journey from a shy, timid girl to a fearless advocate. It’s been an incredible experience to witness her growth, navigating the challenges of her school and community in Banke, and ultimately emerging as an inspiration to other girls in her community. Seeing her come full circle, empowered and emboldened, underscores the power of education and advocacy in transforming lives and communities.

If you could go back in time, would you choose a different career?

I have always dreamt of being a teacher. But today, I am way more satisfied being this cool Didi who supports girls navigate their life in school and beyond.

As a mentor, what was your proudest moment?

Beside watching Dhiksha on big screen, recently a girl from the Madhesi Muslim community was able to say no to child marriage. She demanded her right to education, accused the community of crime and calmly made sure that her family understood what her feelings are and that what they are doing is illegal no matter how prevalent it was in the past.

Nistha Thapa Shrestha

Communication Lead, Room to Read

Nistha is a communication professional, experienced in creating visual and written stories to advocate for gender issues in education. She is also a sustainable development student at Kathmandu University, interested in the role of indigenous knowledge and gender in climate adaptation.

What inspires you to do what you do?

As a communication professional, I know that storytelling and visual stories have the power to change mindsets, attitudes and behaviours. Being able to work with an amazing group of people who don’t look at change just from a project scale but from a human scale makes my work meaningful. Being able to work with women led projects, being able to explore the creative path while touching the life of millions is indeed a privilege.

A majority of women in the country still do not wield independent choice in job, marriage or education, do you think change is really taking place?

It is true that women in our country still face multi layers of challenges, and we are still navigating our own path to liberation, but I do see signs of change taking place. From the girls in schools to having a woman education minister, there is growing awareness in advocacy for gender equality, policy reforms, understanding and accepting gender intersectionality and changing societal attitudes. I also accept that the progress is uneven, and there is still much work to be done.

What message does ‘She Creates Change’ carry?

‘She Creates Change’ embodies the belief that when women are empowered to lead and advocate for their rights, they have the ability to drive lasting and impactful change for themselves and for others.

Tell us about your association with ‘She Creates Change’.

My association with ‘She Creates Change’ stems from a shared commitment to empowering women and girls to become changemakers in their own right. Through collaborative efforts, we work to provide women with the tools, resources and support they need to effect meaningful change and create a more equitable and just society.

As a visual storyteller and communication professional, I was engaged in ‘She Creates Change’ for coordinating the video project, quality assurance of cultural reference and to support the storyboard, the animation and live-action videos.

What is the change that Room to Read wants to address in the coming years?

In the coming years, Room to Read aims to address various challenges related to education and gender equality. We will continue to focus on expanding access to quality education in collaboration with government, particularly for marginalised and historically low-income communities, and supporting girls’ empowerment through life skills education, mentorship, and advocacy. Additionally, we will strive to promote systemic change by budget advocacy with local governments, capacity building of teachers to create child friendly learning environments while fostering community engagement and ownership of education initiatives. Overall, our goal is to create a world where every child has the opportunity to unlock their full potential through
education.