Nothing can stop us | Web Special

To mark the International Women's Day on 8 March, we talked to five intelligent and determined young Nepali women in their 20s, who have made it BIG! The global theme for this day is 'Inspiring potential' and the United Nations' theme is 'Women in decision-making: meeting challenges, creating change'. These women have inspired, met challenges and created change. Meet Sarina, Salina, Uma, Loonibha and Sangina.

IT TAKES COURAGE

Born in Solukhumbu, Sarina always wanted to fly above the mountains that surrounded her village. Today, in her mid-20s, Sarina Gurung is the only female chopper pilot in Nepal. "I always wanted to fly so I went for it," says the young go-getter who has been flying an average of five hours daily since 2001. She's travelled extensively throughout Nepal and that, she says, is the best part of her job. "Rara lake in the west and Gokyo in the east are amazing to look at," she adds.

When she's not flying, Sarina is watching TV, working out or hiking. She is one tough young girl who can't be beat as she not only flies a helicopter but has also been working as aerobic instructor at Golds Gym for three years. Last year, she released 'Risim', a docudrama based on Rai culture, which garnered critical appreciation both inside and outside Nepal. Her life's guiding motto is: with courage, you can achieve anything. "Don't just sit back and complain about women's rights," says Sarina, "You need to take that step. Don't worry about what others might say, have the courage to make the right decision."

TRAINING DAY

Salina Chaulagain was all packed and ready to fly abroad to study when the Royal Nepali Army announced admission tests for lady recruits. On a whim, she appeared for the test, which changed the entire course of her life. A second lieutenant today, Salina is among the first batch of ladies in the army in the non-technical front.

"I knew what civil life was like and I wanted to experience this other life as an army personnel. The double identity attracted me," says Salina. Her training days are over and she looks back rather nostalgically. "Every day was a mix of emotions: joy, sadness, laughter, crazy ideas. It was tough." Once when everyone was busy ironing clothes, polishing shoes, and cleaning up, a friend started singing Timi Paryau Pirem Ma, and everybody joined in. Such moments made the training period worthwhile. Salina's toughest time was an 18-hour exercise. "I was completely exhausted. But at the end of the day, the bhat tasted so good and that night I slept so sweetly. I'll never forget how thankful I was for the rest." Salina realises that the future will bring even more challenges but she's ready to take it on as she says, "Struggle is a must in any field. Hard work will definitely bring good results."

JOUSTING JESTS

She's funny, sarcastic and popular. Many know her as Pothi Basyo Ko Keti and now, she's Pawankali. Back in school, her friends wanted to be doctors, pilots and engineers, Loonibha Tuladhar wanted to be Madhuri Dixit.

"When the movie 'Main Madhuri Dixit Banna Chati Hoon' came out, I was like hey! That's my idea!" says Loonibha. Today, as a comedian, her idols are Madan Krishna Shrestha and Haribansa Acharya. She used to mimic Haribansa as a child and collect rewards in chocolates and money. "I'll tell you a sad story," she says switching to a childish belligerent tone, "During school dance performances, I was always in the last row because I was too tall. I felt bad."

Humour helped her overcome obstacles, take criticism and turn them into fodder for her television programmes. She believes gender equality begins with our daily lives, not in expensive seminars and workshops. Her parting shot is: "Make-up and pretty clothes does not make a person. Education is a must. It is okay to look good but better merit the good looks."

JILL OF ALL TRADES AND A MASTER OF MANY

Uma Rajbhandari Shrestha is a drummer, lifeguard, photographer, director, producer and concept writer. Her passion for music began by eavesdropping at her cousin brothers' jam sessions. Once his band left, she would sneak in and play the drums. This led her to found Nepal's first female music band Sparkle.

After her School Leaving Certificate exams, Uma trained in photography for six months and landed a job that paid her Rs 10,000. She quit after 20 days to tour Nepal with her band. Music was going full swing when she realised there was no lady lifeguard in Nepal. Uma trained at Rangasala then worked at Balaju Swimming Pool for two years. Unfortunately, Sparkle disbanded and Uma formed a new band. However, she still misses her first band members. "I know I can do anything I want as an individual but I miss being a part of a team," says she. The second band didn't work out and Uma decided it was time to move beyond music. Uma started a production house called Vox Pop Productions. She is the concept writer, director and producer of Face to Face programme which was aired for a year-and-half on NTV. Still bubbling with ideas, Uma plans to produce more television programmes. "I'm very impulsive and that can be both good and bad," says she. Confidence is her greatest asset. Married for eight months now, her advice for young girls is: Be financially independent before marriage. After that, focus on balancing family and career. But understand that family is very important, there is no satisfaction in having a successful career at the price of your family being torn apart.

SPIRIT OF SPORTSPERSONSHIP

Sangina Baidya took us to the Olympics and made sports into a viable career. She came to Kathmandu from Trishuli after her SLC to join college. She had always been good in sports but there was no martial arts in Trishuli. Bruce Lee's 'Enter the Dragon' inspired her to learn taekwondo at Rangashala.

After only three months of training, Sangina was selected from Bagmati zone to participate in the national game. "We hadn't expected to win but I won and everybody began noticing me," says Sangina who is a celebrity today. Since then till date, she has maintained the National Champion title in her weight category. As long as she can, she plans to be an active sportsperson. After that, her goal is to coach and produce young champions. Says she, "When you aim for something, just go for it. Let no obstacle be an issue. Always believe in 'I can' and you will."