"I’ve learnt that change begins with me": Hear from Dipeeka, a program alumni and intern!

Dipeeka, on the far left, at LEADership Institute in 2010.

I got selected for the LEADership Institute organized by Women LEAD in 2010. A high school student, comfortable in my own bubble, I had never thought seriously about issues that affected girls and women in my own society and country. After attending sessions led by experts on topics like Domestic Violence, Human Trafficking, Reproductive Health and various other youth, gender and global issues, I really started looking around in my family and community and noticed problems that needed solutions. The problems that inhibited girls from leading were twofold: one that society imposed on girls like restricted mobility,  discrimination in the opportunities provided, household responsibilities and lack of decision making power; another that girls faced on a personal level like lack of self confidence, inadequate knowledge and experience to make decisions as well as lack of female leaders as mentors or role models.  Women LEAD provided me with a platform to discuss these problems with young girls like me, express my views on various issues and talk about ideas as well as ways of bringing change in the society. I’ve learnt that change begins with me. It is only through personal transformation and self identification as a leader that I can bring change in my society and country. Excited by the opportunities Women LEAD offers and its vision to empower girls and women to take up key leadership positions alongside men, I am now interning for the organization so that I can contribute my bit in empowering girls in my country.