Isha
What does life as a woman or girl look like in your part of the world? What roles do women play in your society?
I live in a country where a woman herself is the president of the nation. Comparing the past and the present, women here are in a better place now. We worship goddesses in our country. Feminism has also played a vital role in uplifting women here; still some parts of our country lack female education. Although we’re saying women are equal now to men, we still have many rape cases and acid attacks going on.
What do you think is the most significant barrier to women empowerment and/or gender equality today?
Gender equality, in my personal view point now has transformed into demeaning men. We started the gender equality movement to make the line equal for both men and women, but somewhere along the way, some people began misusing it for their personal benefits. Feminism means, not only empowering women, but giving and believing the equal rights for both genders.
I think the first barrier for women empowerment is the family itself. I still feel somehow it’s hard to convince our own families of the future we have planned for. Not everywhere can this kind of problem be found. In some rural areas where still the people are less educated, many object to women empowerment. But in general, women these days are empowered a lot than in the past. Along with women empowerment, we must think about both of the genders.
OK, tell us all about yourself. Who are YOU & what should the world know about you?
Hey everyone out there. I hope everyone is safe. Where do I start from? I am Isha from Nepal. I am currently a 3rd year Computer Engineering student. Besides that, I love dancing and expressing my inner thoughts through writing. Being from a middle class family, I have always pushed my goals beyond limits. I believe whatever comes through is because of the hard work you do. I strongly believe in "Karma". After graduating, I would love to work with the gaming community. Alongside that, I want to work with organizations that help needy people.
Describe yourself in one word: "I am... a Dreamer.
What are you most passionate about and what are you doing with that passion?
There are many things I am passionate about. I personally feel passion changes with time, with your age. Currently, I am passionate about a career in the Tech field - that’s the reason I am pursuing my career as a Computer Engineer. To talk about my childhood, I was more passionate about dancing, writing, and honestly I do it in my free time. Tomorrow, if you ask me, I would be saying I am passionate about travelling the world, counselling people, giving motivational talks at a big stage and many more. So, I think it’s a changing process. At the end ,"change" always remains constant right?
What are some of the most notable events (milestones) that have happened in your life to date?
Looking back at my 20 years of life, I kind of feel proud of myself. I was always a well spoken child. I used to participate in every competition be it art, debate, speech, or dance. I once went to a program which helped me to grow my personality a lot. At 7th or 6th standard, I won 13 prizes in a annual school function which included competitions like debate, speech, poem writing, and sports as well. I also gave an interview for a news writer who published a magazine book in which he included my interview stating "I want to become a president". At 8th standard, I got into a beauty pageant and won the "Best Personality" title. Talking about my academics, I am a average student. Taking part in events like those [I mentioned] has always been my priority. It really helps in growing your personality.
What obstacles have you faced and overcome?
Phew. In simple words, “a lot of obstacles". My family has been my strength all this time.
My greatest obstacle was my fear of me not being able to do anything in my life. I still have anxiety looking back at how much I used to think about that. Gradually, I started being positive about the things I do. I started being active instead of sleeping all day and taking stress - it has helped me a lot. Besides that, I have been abused both mentally and physically. I think that’s the very obstacle many women face in the world.
Once, I was traveling in a public vehicle, a man came besides me and adjusted his stuff into my hip, that very moment I felt so confused, numb, and blank. I still get goosebumps when I think about it. Mentally, I have been affected too bout some incident that took years ago but I managed to move on. Since I have a great community around me, I have never faced gender-based discrimination which is why I am where I am now.
To all the women out there, obstacles help to find a way to get a successful path, so keep on moving on and empowering yourself and others as well.
Looking externally into the public sphere, what female public figure inspires you the most to achieve your dreams & why?
Anuradha Koirala - Nepalese social activist, looking up to her boosts my motivation. She dedicated her life to help girls from trafficking. Jhamak Kumari - she was born with cerebral palsy and writes with her left foot. She is well known for her novel. Looking at these personalities, I believe in myself. I grow a faith in my self which keeps pushing me closer to my dreams.
What's your definition of success?
Success in my view is "inner satisfaction". Success can never be measured with the amount of money you earn or the fame you gain. I personally believe that a person who is happy, satisfied, and is enjoying life to the fullest is what success looks like. You should always be helpful towards others. Uplifting yourself and the people around you should be the main motive. Until you are self-concerned you can never achieve success in life. I feel satisfied when I can influence other people towards a positive life. The day I commit my life in serving man-kind along with meeting up to my dreams, I will proudly be able to say that I have succeeded.
How have the women and girls around you helped you to get to where you are today?
I have been surrounded with great ladies around me. Every time I look up into them, they give me more strength and power to move on in life. I am grateful to god for giving me such a great environment to grow up in. And I am truly thankful for this platform. I feel all cheered up meeting these amazing women here from all over the world.
Complete this sentence: "To be a girl or woman today, is to be..."
"To be a girl or woman today, is to be a superhuman". The emotions we women have can help the society to grow into a better place. The love we have in our hearts is enough to pour out for the betterment of the world. The magic we have in our souls can help [achieve] the empowerment we talk about.