"If I love sports, I shall pursue them with all my heart and soul."

Meet Sulochana, a secondary school student, sports enthusiast and Room to Read Girls' Education Program participant in Nepal. Sulochana rejected gender norms that suggested girls could not play sports, becoming a decorated Kabaddi player in her community. Hear her story in her own powerful words:

On my way to school every day, I pass a playground where children play cricket and football. I can hear the cheers and laughter. It is a beautiful sight. But no girls are playing.

I have never seen a girl join in any playground activity. Instead, they fetch water, work in the nearby fields or stay in the kitchen.

I have always loved sports. The excitement and competition draw me in. But in my community, sports are seen as something only for boys. Playing on the field seemed like an impossible dream. When my friends and I walked near the field, boys would tease and make catcalls. We felt unwelcome.

Sulochana (right) at home with her mother after Kabaddi practice.

I wanted to start a sports group with my friends, but life got in the way. They had too many responsibilities at home, helping with chores and farming. There was no time for sports.

Just when I felt hopeless, a social mobilizer from Room to Read came to our village. She saw my love for sports and introduced me to Kabaddi training. It was a chance to follow my dream — despite the expectations around me. I worked hard, training every day before dawn while still doing my household chores and my school work. As I improved in Kabaddi, I felt more empowered. I realized that sports are also for me!

Sulochana (third from right) and her classmates perform
a Kabaddi team cheer with their Room to Read social mobilizers.

My social mobilizer's encouragement helped me see that girls and women have the right to pursue their passions in sports. In my Room to Read life skills sessions, I was encouraged to face my fears and doubts — and persevere through them. My social mobilizer gave me pictures of successful women athletes. They inspired me. Their achievements showed me that anyone, regardless of gender, can achieve great things.

Now, when I play Kabaddi, I am not just a player. I am a sister who can inspire girls who dream of breaking free from societal limits. I have built a strong reputation as an athlete and earned many province-level awards in Kabaddi — and there is more to come.

I am enough, and I refuse to be confined by outdated notions of masculinity. If I love sports, I shall pursue them with all my heart and soul.

Our multi-year life skills curriculum helps girls and children of all genders graduate with resilience and the ability to lead, collaborate, think critically and make independent decisions.

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