Changing Gender Role Perspectives One Girl At A Time

One of our core beliefs lies in the power of education in freeing young girls’ minds in communities that do not see their potential yet. Our Captivating Village Development Program helps provide alternative learning opportunities to out-of-school girls in rural villages, and help them reach their full potential.

Rampari (14) is one of our beneficiaries from Sunaulo Bihani Learning Center. She lives in a rural area with her huge family composed of of 11 members. Her father is a hardworking farmer who works tirelessly to provide for his family, while her mother is a homemaker who manages the household chores.

Although they have good intentions, Rampari’s parents believe that boys and girls have different roles to play in the family and society. They expect boys to take care of the fields and girls to focus on household chores—just like them. This belief and their extreme poverty made them decide that it was best not to send Rampari to school. Instead, she stayed at home, helping her mother with the chores, as if rehearsing her domestic future with an eventual husband. Due to her parents’ beliefs, Rampari was also influenced to think less of herself and her potential.

When we met her and her family, it was quite challenging to change her parents’ minds about joining our Alternative Learning Program. But we believed in her parents’ desire to provide a better future for their children despite varying perspectives. Eventually, they were convinced that a girl like her must be protected by the armor of education.

After 11 months of learning at the center, Rampari’s perspective on gender roles began to shift. She learned that both boys and girls have equal potential and can pursue their dreams. She later discovered that education is key to breaking these stereotypes and achieving her goals.

With the support of the learning center, Rampari gained confidence and courage to pursue her education. She attended classes at the center every morning after completing her household chores. As she became more enlightened, Rampari’s parents began to see the subtle glow of confidence in their daughter that only education can give. Not only was Rampari’s perspective shifted, but also theirs. They realized that girls can contribute to the family’s income and well-being just like how boys were conditioned to become. There was no more convincing needed to let them support Rampari’s further education.

Today, Rampari is enrolled in class 4 and attends school regularly. She is diligent in her studies and has become a role model for other girls in her community. Despite their initial qualms, her parents are proudly celebrating her new achievements. As Rampari continues to pursue her education, she will undoubtedly become a leader in her community, inspiring others to follow in her footsteps and challenge societal norms.

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