The day I became the European Union Ambassador
At just 19, Aruna travelled from Bardiya to Kathmandu to become the European Union Ambassador for a day. That one experience showed how far a girl’s dream can go when she believes in herself. Let’s hear her story in her own words.
“My name is Aruna. I’m 19 and from Bardiya. I’m the youngest of 6 sisters and the only one still living with my parents. Five of my sisters are already married. I’m studying for my bachelor’s degree and also run a small grocery shop. Life isn’t easy, but I’m proud of what I’ve built so far.”
“Before joining Champions of Change (CoC) sessions, I was very shy. I rarely spoke in public. Through the programme, I learned about equality, ending child marriage, and girls’ rights. I learned that my voice matters.”
“Now, I’m the Vice-Secretary of my Palika Youth Club Network. I lead awareness campaigns against child marriage for school dropouts. I also mentor younger girls who remind me of my old self, quiet but full of dreams.”
“Later, I joined the skill-based training for employment and entrepreneurship under the Child, Not Bride project, organised by BEE Group. After completing the training, I received NPR 75,003 (€523) as seed funding. With that, I opened my grocery shop. I study in the morning, manage the shop during the day, and help my parents at home. I now earn my own income and even save a little every month. My dream is to complete my education and expand my store. One day, I want to help other girls start their own businesses too.”
Becoming the ambassador for a day
“On the 9th of November, my dream took me to Kathmandu for the first time. I had never travelled outside my hometown before. That day, I stepped into the role of European Union (EU) Ambassador to Nepal, taking over from H.E. Veronique Lorenzo as part of the Girls Takeover campaign.”
“I still remember how nervous and excited I was when I arrived at her residence. Everyone smiled at me, the Ambassador, her team, and even the security guards. I told them how different it felt from the surroundings in Kathmandu, where people rarely smile at strangers.”
“During breakfast, the Ambassador introduced me to European pancakes. It was my first time tasting them. I told her about Dhikri, a traditional rice cake from my community. I was amazed to see that her residence was built in traditional Newari style. I have always seen foreigners promoting their own culture, but this feels different. It’s wonderful to see how she embraces Nepali culture too.”
“Over coffee, we talked about my journey, how people used to scold me for coming home late after meetings, and how some neighbours told my parents that girls shouldn’t have too much freedom. But I told her, ‘Those words only made me stronger. I’ve learned to speak confidently in front of everyone now.’”
Learning from Khaalisisi
“After breakfast, I travelled with the Ambassador to Khaalisisi, an organisation that collects and recycles waste. During the ride, we talked about everything from hobbies to hopes for the future.”
“At Khaalisisi, the founder, Aayushi KC, and her team showed us how they collect, sort, and recycle different kinds of waste. I was inspired by the Swachha Mahila Udhyami Abhiyaan, a project that supports women to drive e-rickshaws and work in waste management. Seeing women behind the wheel, earning their own income, made me so proud.”
“I told them that in my own community, my friends and I collect and sell plastic waste to local vendors. We make flower pots from bottles and use the proceeds to support childcare centres. The Ambassador smiled and said, ‘You already think like an entrepreneur, Aruna.’”
“Aruna already carries the spirit of an entrepreneur; all she needs is the right guidance and opportunity to turn her ideas into lasting change,” said H.E. Veronique Lorenzo, Ambassador and head of the Delegation of the European Union in Nepal.
“Aruna already carries the spirit of an entrepreneur; all she needs is the right guidance and opportunity to turn her ideas into lasting change.”
H.E. Veronique Lorenzo, Ambassador and head of the Delegation of the European Union in Nepal.
Inside the EU embassy
“Later, we visited the EU office in Kathmandu. I was amazed to see the photos showing the history of the EU’s work in Nepal. I quietly wished that one day my photo might hang there too.”
“I shared my story with EU staff, how CoC helped me speak up, and how I turned my grocery shop into a small knowledge corner. I keep information materials on ending child marriage, gender equality, and sexual and reproductive health & rights, and I give them to customers who visit my shop. Everyone listened closely, and some even said my story inspired them.”
“Over lunch, I tried pizza for the first time, and it was delicious!”
A day full of learning
“In the afternoon, I joined the Ambassador at the press meet for the 14th European Union Film Festival 2025. Watching a short film made by Nepali students made me realise how powerful storytelling can be.”
“Towards the end of the day, I met members of the Youth Sounding Board. We talked about activism and the challenges young people face. I told them, ‘Sometimes, people won’t support your ideas. Even your own friends may not stand with you. But if you know you’re doing the right thing, never stop.'”
“Aruna’s journey is truly inspiring. At just 19, coming from the Tharu community, she has done so much to lead change in her village. We all have a lot to learn from her. It would be wonderful to stay connected so she can share her experience on ending child marriage and building business skills with our cohort,” expressed Aagya, Coordinator, Youth Sounding Board.
Looking ahead
“My takeover as EU Ambassador was just one day, but it changed how I see myself. I realised that girls like me can be in leadership roles too. We can be business owners, community leaders, and even ambassadors.”
“When I returned home, I brought back more than memories. I brought back belief, the belief that hope is like the light of dawn. And that light, I carry within me every day.”
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