“My father has a slight mental problem. He can do everything a normal man can. He even works in the fields. But he speaks to himself and sometimes shouts without reason. He couldn’t be the father figure who could guide me for my future. It was my uncle who made sure I went to college. After college, I decided to be a social worker. I got a job in an NGO and today I raise awareness among the villagers about the importance of health and hygiene. I knew that it was a good career path for me. I had seen women make a name for themselves in the society, working as social workers. And since I had also experienced such a bleak situation at home growing up because of an absent father, I thought this is good. But you know how it is for working women in our society, especially in villages. My work requires me to mingle with my male colleagues. And I hear people whisper, “Look, look, what does she think of herself walking with a man? Has she no shame?” I ignore them. I have no fear. I know that even though my father has a slight mental problem, he still has more sense than them.” – (Maina Acharya, Lambagar 5, Dolakha) ‪#‎StriveStruggleThrive‬