"How?"

It is a cruel irony that we are not grateful for what we have. Ever since I was young, I have always seen a gap in society.  A smile in small houses, objects and hearts breaking in the grand villas. Some recklessly wasting the hard-earned money their parents spend in order to give them a quality education, some earnestly importuning for a chance to learn but have no doors open to them. Some fussing over a two-page assignment, while some burdened with juvenille responsibilities.

This broke my heart and I decided that I wanted to make a change. But, my primary obstacle was "How?".

Flashback to August 2025, when Jammu was hit with one of the most intense, record-breaking monsoon causing floods. Not only houses were lost, but lives as well. I saw all over the news the dire condition of people and a tiny voice in me was screaming "You need to help them!". So, I decided to contribute to a drive started in my locality. We donated food, clothing, hygiene products for girls and any other neccessities required.

But, for me, that wasn't enough. I wanted to do more. Luckily, an opportunity came knocking on my door. Fast forward to April, 2026 - I got the chance to work with TribesforGOOD who introduced me to two NGO's - KurNiv Foundation, Mumbai and CHI, Hyderabad. I conducted online workshops with these NGO's on topics related to 'Women in STEM'.

After waiting impatiently for so long, my "How?" was finally answered and there was no stopping me now. I conducted one more offline workshop in my own locality. Talking to girls actually struggling in real life was heart-wrenching. I realised that the situation is grave. Girls want to study, but they can't. Being a girl interested in STEM myself, I am grateful that I have been provided the support and resources and that's exactly what I wanted for these girls.

So, I initiated a fundraiser so that I could donate STEM related materials and resources to the girls who don't have access to them. As of May, 2026 I had successfully raised about Rs. 32,500/- and donated books to the girls I talked to. I am still in contact with them, and whenever they ask me for help or guidance, I feel elated and proud that they know that someone is there to support their dreams and would make their dream come true.

I also designed a brochure which gave a summary of various scholarships available for girls and started my own podcast because I wanted to reach out to a wider audience and wanted to inspire young girls who are afraid to come forward. 

But, this is not where the journey ends- I look forward to conducting more workshops in the future. I am also going to continue my fundraiser so that I can provide access to books and resources to a wider number of people. I will also be creating a website so that all STEM related materials are available at one place.

Now, the next question is 'Why Women in STEM?'. Well, I have loved science since I was a kid. I was curious and questioned everything around me. But, as I grew older, I heard stereotypes- "Girls are not made for science." or "Girls aren't practical enough to pursue a career in STEM". One that stuck with me- "If you really want to get into the field of STEM you should probably stick to becoming a teacher or a doctor, don't waste your time trying to achieve something impossible."

Well, you see, another thing about me is that I don't like when someone doubts me. I have an urge to prove them wrong. So, as you can see, dear reader, I am not only motivated myself but I also want to take other girls, who are oppressed, who can't speak up, whose dreams have been silenced, forward with me so that we succeed together.

Thankyou for taking out your time to read something that I have been wanting to spread. I hope that this has ignited a fire in you. Girls, you are capable enough to do something that society says boys can. Boys, this is not meant to bring you down, it is meant to inspire girls and boys alike to speak up for the unheard voices. Do follow, share and comment. Excited to see you next time!

XOXO