Nirmani

What does life as a woman or girl look like in your country / city / town / village? Any issues / challenges / exciting milestones? I’m a Sri Lankan. Sexual harassment and rape are very common issues in our country. There is so much sexual harassment happening, especially in public transports. It’s not safe for a girl to go to a place alone even at daytime. Because of that our freedom is very limited here. We can’t experience things, go out to places like the girls in other countries do most of the time.

Girls are always judged by the clothes they wear, the way they act or talk, the way they behave with their boyfriend, that kind of stuff. Society expects us to be something that most of us are not. And the social media can also be brutal. Girls are insulted, disrespected, body shamed, bullied through some pages and people in social media.

People always talk about how good is our culture and how women should behave according to that, but our society is mostly filled with close-minded, sexist people and there is no equality for women.

What's your definition of success? My definition of success is having a happy and satisfying life.

How have the women and girls around you helped you to get to where you are today? I think as women and girls, we should always know our worth and never settle for less. Self-love is the most important thing. There’s nothing wrong with wanting more for your self. As women, we should always stand up for ourselves. We should empower other girls and women and never let each other down.

Describe yourself in one word: "I am… strong

Complete this sentence: "To be a girl or woman today, is to be..." confident, strong and independent