Ambika is empowering girls in Dolpa

We bring you the inspiring story of Ambika, 14, from Dolpa, in her own words. As a determined student and young leader, Ambika is working to challenge harmful social norms, raise awareness about girls’ rights, and empower others in her community.

Ambika, wearing her school uniform, speaks into a microphone while standing in front of other students during a school assembly. — Ambika takes the mic during the school assembly, confidently sharing her voice in front of her fellow students. ©Plan International/SAC Nepal

“Teaching others what I’ve learned has boosted my confidence. I want to keep learning and continue empowering others,” says Ambika.

“Teaching others what I’ve learned has boosted my confidence. I want to keep learning and continue empowering others.”
Ambika

Finding her voice

“My name is Ambika, and I am 14 years old, studying in Grade 9 in Dolpa. I live with my mother, who works as an office assistant in the local government. Even though we face financial difficulties, my mother has always told me I have the same rights as a son, and she supports my education so I can build a bright future.”

“Every morning, I wake up early to revise my lessons and complete my homework before preparing meals for my family. I attend school regularly and always try my best in class, and I am proud that I often come first.”

“I remember when I first started my period, I felt scared and thought I had done something wrong. I did not tell my parents at first and used a pad that my mother had kept for emergencies. Later, a friend explained to me that it was a normal part of growing up, and I felt relieved. But at home, my mother told me not to touch others and to stay away from religious spaces. I realised then how harmful some social norms are in Dolpa, but I was afraid to speak up.”

“After joining the club and receiving peer-to-peer training, I learned about menstruation, child marriage, gender-based violence, and the changes we go through during adolescence. I found my voice and started sharing this knowledge with my friends, family, and community.”

Leading change in school and community

“Alongside my studies, I am also involved in social and leadership activities. I am the President of the Self-Reliant Adolescents Club in my school, where 25 of us meet every Friday to raise awareness on sexual and reproductive health, rights, leadership, and self-expression. We use quizzes, folk songs, drama, and public speaking to share what we know with others.”

“I also had the chance to take part in the Girls Takeover programme, where I took on the role of mayor for a day. At first, I was very nervous, but with support, I confidently presented on the issues faced by girls in our community. This experience helped me build confidence and perform even better in school and community activities.”

“At school, I help manage the menstrual health and hygiene restrooms, ensure sanitary pads are available, and encourage others to use these facilities confidently. I am also part of the child rights monitoring group at school, and I actively participate in activities that raise awareness against child marriage, forced marriage, and harmful practices.”

Dreaming of a fearless future

A group of young girls stand together holding threads during a leadership training session. — Ambika joins other young girls in a leadership training, holding threads as they learn, connect, and build confidence together. ©Plan International/Yatra Creative

“I also took part in the Himali Sambaad programme in Jumla, where I learned about climate change and its impact on children’s education and health. Later, at the Chhori Samelan (Girls’ Rights Conference) in Surkhet, I raised the concerns of girls from Karnali, sharing our challenges and stories while learning about our rights.”

“I feel happy that my friends, family, and community support me in my leadership. Now, I dream of becoming the Chief District Officer of Dolpa to ensure that government policies are implemented to create a fearless, gender-friendly society where everyone is respected.”

“I want to build a community where everyone feels safe, respected, and confident, no matter their gender or background.”

“Now, I dream of becoming the Chief District Officer of Dolpa to ensure that government policies are implemented to create a fearless, gender-friendly society where everyone is respected.”
Ambika

About the project

With financial support from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) in partnership with Plan International in Nepal, SAC Nepal is implementing the Breaking Barriers for Girls’ Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (BBaGS) project in Dolpa. The project ensures that adolescent girls and young women like Ambika are empowered and actively supported by their parents, teachers, local leaders, and health services to claim their rights and build a brighter future.