Bal Kumari is leading beyond barriers
Bal Kumari is a 22-year-old entrepreneur who is deaf and broke barriers as she stepped into the role of Finnish Ambassador to Nepal, H.E. Rina Reikka Hikka, for a day as part of the Girls Takeover.
Bal Kumari, a 22-year-old entrepreneur who is deaf from Sindhuli, had the opportunity of stepping into the role of H.E. Rina Reikka Hikka, the Finnish Ambassador to Nepal, as part of the Girls Takeover. Acting as an ambassador for a day, Bal Kumari experienced a meticulously planned and eventful schedule, brimming with learning opportunities.
But how did she earn such a prestigious opportunity? Let us uncover her inspiring story.
Born and raised in Sindhuli, Bal Kumari faced significant challenges growing up. Her parents, with limited resources, struggled to raise a deaf child. Initially enrolled in a general public school with classmates and teachers who did not know sign language, she found communication and learning difficult, leaving her childhood memories bittersweet. Her life turned positive when her parents discovered a school for the deaf, where she finally encountered teachers and peers who communicated in sign language.
These challenges did not hold Bal Kumari back. Empowered with entrepreneurial skills through training and continuing her education, she initiated a snack shop with 3 friends who are deaf, challenging societal stereotypes about people with disabilities. Recently, she participated in the Girls Takeover, which allowed her to serve as an ambassador for a day.
Meeting the ambassador
Bal Kumari arrived at the embassy, nervous but optimistic on the day of the Girls Takeover. She shared her feelings with her sign language interpreter, saying, “I’m not fully ready, but it will be fine.”
She received a warm welcome from H.E. Rina Reikka Hikka and the embassy team, marking the start of a life-changing experience. She was thrilled to learn that the ambassador had worked with the deaf community in Finland. This shared connection fostered an instant bond, and they even exchanged their sign language names. Bal Kumari’s sign name, referencing the headband she wore on her first day of school, brought smiles to both of them, while the ambassador’s sign name, inspired by her surname “sand,” was equally unique.
Bal Kumari was intrigued by Finland’s progressive stance on gender equality, especially the equal gender representation among Finnish ambassadors worldwide. Inspired by these insights, she shared her own story of resilience, recounting the challenges of being a deaf student in mainstream education and the isolation she faced. Despite these obstacles, she and her deaf partners successfully started a snack shop, proving that with opportunity and support, individuals with disabilities, especially girls, can achieve their dreams. “We can do it,” she affirmed, “If allowed to learn and grow.”
“We can do it. If allowed to learn and grow.”
Bal Kumari
Being an ambassador for a day
During the takeover, Bal Kumari asked, “Have you ever interacted with girls with disabilities in your work in Nepal?” The embassy team shared their experiences, including a field visit to the Terai, where they worked with a deaf youth from Finland.
Bal Kumari was inspired by the embassy’s commitment to empowering girls and supporting people with disabilities. She also learned about Finland’s focus areas, including gender equality, social inclusion, sustainable development, and inclusive education. Later, she met Aayushi, the CEO of Khalisisi, a waste management company. Aayushi encouraged her to dream big and pursue her goals, despite any challenges. During their discussion, Bal Kumari suggested hiring deaf individuals for the company and even provided advice on managing recyclable waste. She also taught Aayushi sign language and gave her a sign name inspired by her nose pin.
With pride, Bal Kumari shared how her shop serves snacks like samosas and momos, with customers using sign language to place their orders. “Even people who don’t know sign language come to our hotel, and they use signs for samosas and momos, and we understand them. It makes communication a bit easier,” she explained, highlighting the power of non-verbal communication.
Later, she met Lotta Gamelin, the Country Director of The Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Mission (FELM), who introduced herself in sign language. Together, they discussed the challenges and opportunities for youth in Nepal, which aligned with FELM’s work in the country, further broadening Bal Kumari’s understanding of the landscape.
“Even people who don’t know sign language come to our shop, and they use signs for samosas and momos, and we understand them. It makes communication a bit easier.”
Bal Kumari
Her reflection
As the day drew to a close, Bal Kumari reflected on her experience with profound gratitude. She thanked H.E. Hikka for the opportunity to serve as an ambassador in a respectful and accessible environment. She presented the manifesto prepared by the girls, urging the embassy to focus more on issues affecting adolescents. H.E. Hikka praised Bal Kumari’s performance, highlighting how the Girls Takeover empowers both participants and stakeholders. “Working for the rights of people with disabilities here in Nepal is one of Finland’s main focus areas, and Bal Kumari, as an entrepreneur who is deaf, has taught me so much,” she said.
“Working for the rights of people with disabilities here in Nepal is one of Finland’s main focus areas, and Bal Kumari, as an entrepreneur who is deaf, has taught me so much.”
H.E.Rina Reikka Hikka, Finnish Ambassador to Nepal
After leaving the embassy, Bal Kumari shared, “The whole day was a great learning experience for me. Every moment was filled with knowledge, and it gave me the confidence that if given the opportunity and support, I too can achieve something.”
Related pages
