My father wanted a son.

I was the first child. After me, came my three younger sisters. One daughter after another after another. But my parents kept trying for a son.

Our culture and society had convinced my parents that girls were worthless. They get married and sent off to their husband’s home, and that there would be no one to carry on the family name and inheritance. Ironically, all we inherited was a broken home, broken hearts, and a mountain of debts while ‘trying for a son’. My parents were victims of old traditions and beliefs. They never knew any different. Yet, it made me sad. Why wasn’t I enough? Why weren’t we daughters enough?

Eventually, my dad left us. My mom’s health deteriorated. And I hardly saw her smile. Debt collectors visited our home at all hours of the day. I worked as a kitchen helper at a bus station to pay off the debt. We also sold fruits in the street to get by. I tried to ease my mom’s worries. I promised her that I would be just as good as the son that she and my father had desperately wanted.

Things slowly started to look brighter. I got a chance to study at Kopila Valley School. There, I took every opportunity that came my way. I became a class captain, joined the girls’ club, checked out books from the library, and participated in dance, poetry, and debate competitions. I wanted to be the best at everything. Because of my dad, I felt like I had something to prove.

One day, the school announced to start the first-ever girl’s football team in Surkhet. I was amazed! I never thought girls too could play football. I showed up at that first practice barefoot, sweat beating down my forehead – ready to try something new.

I still remember how it felt to put on a uniform and chase the ball down the field. I started to get pretty good! I was strong at defense and head balls and corner kicks. Our team began playing in tournaments and winning matches, and I set my eyes on making it to the national team.

I practiced before and after school. That meant I usually reached home late, which created lots of gossip in my neighborhood. They talked behind my back and questioned my characteristics for returning home late. But I shook off the criticisms and kept my eyes on my dream.

This year, I graduated top of my class from Kopila Valley School and won a scholarship to a prestigious college in Kathmandu. I kept training all hours of the day and night as a student-athlete. Last month, I turned 20. Then something amazing happened. I made the final roster for Nepal’s national women’s soccer team.

My story isn’t unique. It just what happens when girls and women get an education and a fair chance. They make their dreams come true.

My dreams are for other girls whose fathers only wanted a son. They are for my sisters and my mom, and countless others. May they too conquer their dreams.

– Srijana