In the small village of Khartamchha in Nepal's Khotang District, 12-year-old Dibisha Rai, an eighth-grade student at Shree Shukrajit Secondary School, loves playing volleyball. Unfortunately, opportunities for young girls like her to engage in sports and showcase their talent are scarce. "I really like playing volleyball, but there are no initiatives for us girls to get involved in sports," explains Dibisha.
Sports offer a powerful avenue for empowerment, boosting self-esteem and leadership skills for girls. It provides a platform for collaboration and socialization among diverse participants with a sense of healthy competition. Sports can also challenge deeply rooted gender stereotypes in the community and help foster societal change.
Recognizing the missed opportunities for girls like Dibisha, the dZi Foundation organized an Inter-School Girls' Volleyball Competition in Aiselukharka and Kepilasgadi Rural Municipalities to empower female students with equal opportunities regardless of gender, ethnicity, or socio-economic status and strengthen their leadership skills.
When the news about the volleyball competition broke, a spark was ignited in Dibisha's heart - she was elated. Eight schools of Kepilasgadi Rural Municipality participated in the competition. Dibisha and her team, however, could not practice much for the tournament since they didn't have easy access to a volleyball court. "At first, there was fear when I entered the field.” expresses Dibisha. “I was underconfident seeing the big sisters in the other teams. However, our team played with enthusiasm and motivation, and we were able to win first place! I was awarded the best player in the tournament. Now, I feel confident in myself."
According to Bharat Kumar Bista, the principal, Dibisha’s whole school is very happy and overwhelmed by the girls' victory. “Initially, we didn't think our schoolgirls would win, but as they kept playing, they were able to showcase their abilities openly and confidently, and finally, they won,” says the principal.
After observing the tournament, Jivan Khatri, a representative from the rural municipality, emphasized the importance of sports in the physical, mental, and intellectual development of girls. "In the future, the municipality's investment in sports, a sense of belonging in school, and increased parents' activism in education can enable more girls succeed," he notes.
Khadga Bahadur Tamang, the Ward Chair, adds, "Sports can help identify the potential of girls and provide the right opportunities to inspire them to choose the right path in life, develop their leadership, and exemplify women. From our ward level, we will encourage the sports sector in the school in the coming days and allocate the budget."
After the victory, Dibisha and her team experienced admiration and respect from their teachers and fellow students. "After coming back to school, our team received lots of love and respect," she says proudly. "If we get a good coach and the opportunity to play, I feel we can play as good as the boys. I want to participate in volleyball competitions in the coming days too."
Dibisha Rai stands as a testament to the transformative power of sports in empowering students through their educational development. Her story reflects the dZi Foundation's broader goal of advancing equity in education and creating opportunities for all students to thrive. Through sports, girls like Dibisha are not only breaking societal barriers but also leading their communities towards a more inclusive and equitable future.
