Representing marginalised groups and standing against child marriage
Archana took up the role of Jagriti Child and Youth Concern Nepal Coordinator during the Girls Takeover event. She used this opportunity to drive change by representing marginalised groups and standing against child marriage in her own life and community.
In the heart of Sunsari, amidst the struggles of a Dalit indigenous community, a remarkable 18-year-old girl named Archana stands tall. Archana, with unwavering determination, has transcended the boundaries of her society, combating discrimination, untouchability, and isolation.
The catalysts of change
Archana’s journey began when she became an active member of two empowering groups: Champions of Change (CoC) and Girls Out Loud, managed by Plan International Nepal. These platforms provided her with the tools to rise beyond her circumstances. Her remarkable journey led to her selection as the Coordinator of Jagriti Child and Youth Concern Nepal (JCYCN), a role she would use to drive transformation.
“During lockdown, I joined the Girls Out Loud private Facebook group. We engaged in meaningful discussions about girls’ online safety rights. Every week, we delved into digital literacy for girls and even had the chance to attend workshops to enhance our knowledge, including sessions on Google Workplace.”
Empowering through knowledge
Archana’s voice found power through knowledge. She realised that to bring about change, she needed information and the ability to reach her community. So when training opportunities arose with CoC and Plan International, Archana siezed them.
She says, “The CoC sessions helped me recognise my potential within a diverse group of girls. I took the initiative to rally the team for a campaign against pervasive gender stereotypes in our community, including taking a stand against caste discrimination.”
“The CoC sessions helped me recognise my potential within a diverse group of girls. I took the initiative to rally the team for a campaign against pervasive gender stereotypes in our community, including taking a stand against caste discrimination.”
Archana
Through training in capacity enhancement and skills development, Archana underwent a profound personal transformation. She became a living example of change by standing against child marriage within her own family. She defied societal pressures, halted her own impending marriage, and ensured her education remained uninterrupted.
Archana was no stranger to the issue of child marriage in her community. She actively intervened, striving to prevent these early unions. However, the reality was that some children chose to elope to escape societal pressures and discrimination. Families, at times, altered birth certificates to evade legal consequences.
A voice for the marginalised
“As part of the Girls Takeover event, I journeyed to Kathmandu and had the opportunity to visit the Plan International Nepal’s office. The atmosphere there was welcoming and friendly. During my visit, I had a chance to meet with the Country Director and offered a suggestion for Plan International Nepal to embrace a more inclusive and intersectional approach in their work with girls and young women.”
Stepping into the role of JCYCN Coordinator, Archana channelled her empathy for her community into action. She advocated for marginalised societies, emphasising gender and racial discrimination, people with disabilities, and the underprivileged, including Madhesh and Dalit communities. She represented the voiceless.
“The Girls Takeover event bolstered my confidence and strengthened my sense of agency when I returned home. I was heartened to witness support not only from my family and community members but also from local government authorities.”
Archana
A positive response
The response Archana received from the JCYCN team was heartening. They embraced her suggestions with open arms, assuring her that her voice mattered. This validation further ignited her motivation to effect more change in the realm of children’s welfare.
Archana’s journey is far from over. With newfound determination, she returned to her community, working tirelessly to create positive change. Her mission extends beyond battling child marriage; it now includes combating child labor and addressing the plight of migrant children—an issue close to her heart and the CoC network she represents.
“The Girls Takeover event bolstered my confidence and strengthened my sense of agency when I returned home. I was heartened to witness support not only from my family and community members but also from local government authorities,” tells Archana.
Archana’s story is not just one of personal triumph, but proof of the power of education, empowerment, and unwavering determination in the face of adversity. She is a true champion of change, a role model for her community, and an inspiration for us all.
Girls Get Equal, Activism, girls’ leadership
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