She Speaks, She Leads, She Changes the World

~Rita Puri, Nepal 

A few years ago, when asked about my dreams, I responded without hesitation: "I dream of seeing every young girl and woman making decisions about their bodies and leading change in their communities." The response I received was often a smile followed by, "Your dream is too big." 

As a 17-year-old in high school, this feedback lingered in my thoughts. Were my dreams too ambitious? Weren’t we all born with these rights: rights to bodily autonomy, education, and freedom of choice? Why should claiming them feel like rebellion? 

That moment ignited something in me. I started learning, unlearning, and showing up for other girls, educating and empowering them to understand their sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), manage their mental health, and speak up for themselves. I realised that when we don’t know our rights, or even our own bodies, our questions remain unanswered, and that silence takes a toll on our mental well-being. As I travelled across different parts of Nepal and beyond, facilitating sessions and listening to stories, I encountered realities more heartbreaking than what we see in films. Under the same sky, some girls are raised to dream beyond borders, while others are told to dream only within the four walls of their homes. Their world is limited not by choice, but by design. 

Over the years, I’ve met more than 6,000 adolescents. I’ve witnessed firsthand how gender inequality continues to shape the lives of girls. Some girls are sent to under-resourced government schools, not because their families can’t afford better education, but because their parents are saving money for dowries. Many walk for hours just to reach a distant school. And once they’re back home, they’re expected to cook, clean, and care for their siblings. Some attend school just to mark attendance before rushing home to household chores. This is not just unfair, it’s a violation of our fundamental right to education and a life of dignity. 

But change is happening. 

When I began leading sessions in rural communities, something beautiful unfolded. Girls opened up. They shared their dreams. They saw in me a reflection of what they could become: free, vocal, unafraid. And soon, they too began leading. 

I’ve witnessed girls, after attending our sessions, take bold steps in their own communities. Some have initiated awareness campaigns on menstrual health. Others have supported their peers in accessing adolescent-friendly SRHR services. A few have even stood up to say no to child marriage. These aren’t just small wins, they are transformations. 

When girls lead grassroots activism, they don’t just raise awareness, they shift entire narratives. Their voices echo in village gatherings, schools, and even policy consultations. They write poems, sing songs, organise street plays, and mobilise others. They inspire a ripple effect of courage and change. 

Because when girls speak, communities listen. When girls lead, real change begins. 

We weren’t given these rights as gifts, they were ours from the moment we were born. And now, a generation of girls is rising not just to claim their rights, but to lead others in doing the same. 

By amplifying their voices, we reshape narratives and enact tangible change. When girls lead, communities flourish, and our collective future is brighter.

Rita Puri, a passionate youth activist and public health professional hailing from a small village in Ramechhap, Nepal, dedicates herself to advancing Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and mental health awareness. As the first girl in her generation to pursue education, Rita has empowered over 6,000 young people across Nepal through Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE). She co-leads Project Pahichan, training healthcare professionals and developing innovative, pocket-friendly booklets to promote inclusive care for LGBTQIA+ communities. Rita is an alumna of the U.S. Embassy Youth Council and is now a fellow at Women of South Speaks Out (WOSSO), advocating for grassroots issues globally. Recognised as a top 3 finalist in the 2023 Universal Prevention Challenge, Rita has recently been honoured with the 2025 ICFP Youth Trailblazer Award for her exceptional grassroots work. For Rita, SRHR advocacy is not just a profession but a profound calling.

*The opinions expressed on this blog are those of the GHRH Community Members and do not necessarily reflect the views or official positions of the Girls Human Rights Hub. The content shared here is intended to provide insights and perspectives on girls human rights and human rights issues, but it is important to recognise that individual opinions may vary.