Sulochana: A story of pursuing passions

Meet Sulochana, a bright and determined student from rural Nepal. In a community where girls often leave school early, she’s breaking barriers with the help of Room to Read’s Girls' Education Program - gaining the support, skills, and confidence to stay in school and chase her dreams.

Sulochana loved sports from a young age. Growing up a young girl in a community that held beliefs that sports were only for boys, Sulochana’s wish to pursue sports felt like a far-off dream. She rejected these gender norms and has since become an award-winning Kabaddi player in her community. Read on below to hear, in her own words, more about her story: 

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.

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 schoolwork. As I improved in Kabaddi, I felt more empowered. I realized that sports are also for me!

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.

Thanks to our partner, Room to Read, for sharing Sulochana’s inspiring journey with us—a reminder that education can change the course of a life, a family, and even a community. To learn more about how Room to Read is helping children in Nepal and around the world unlock their potential, click here.