The Journey To Become a Girls’ Empowerment Facilitator

Ramila, a 26-year-old young woman comes from a humble agricultural family. As the eldest daughter in her family, she always carried a strong sense of responsibility toward her younger siblings and parents, who worked tirelessly in the fields to provide their children with education and opportunities.

Despite completing her higher education, Ramila often struggled with self-confidence and hesitated to express herself openly in front of others due to fear of making mistakes or being judged.

One day, Ramila heard about the Girls’ Empowerment Facilitator vacancy announced by PHASE Nepal. Something inside her encouraged her to try. Gathering her courage, she applied for the position and was selected. While she initially felt happy and excited, her happiness soon turned into worry and self-doubt.

She often asked herself:

“How will I teach adolescent girls?”
“How will I stand confidently in front of so many students?”
“What if I fail?”

To prepare facilitators for their role, PHASE Nepal organized a 4-day Facilitators’ Training of Trainers (ToT). During the training, Ramila initially remained quiet and reserved. However, with continuous encouragement from trainers and fellow participants, she gradually began participating in discussions, asking questions, and confidently sharing her thoughts. The supportive learning environment helped her recognize her own potential and marked an important turning point in her life.

Following the training, Ramila facilitated a 24-day Girls’ Empowerment Workshop at Shaileshwori Secondary School. Although she felt nervous during the initial sessions, she gradually developed confidence and strengthened her communication and leadership skills. Day by day, her voice became clearer, her facilitation stronger, and her confidence more visible.

Through her warm personality, supportive attitude, and approachable communication style, Ramila created a safe and encouraging learning environment for adolescent girls. Many participants who had previously been shy and hesitant became more engaged, began expressing themselves openly, and developed greater confidence in their own abilities and future aspirations.

PHASE Nepal’s regular follow-up support and mentorship further strengthened Ramila’s facilitation skills and leadership capacity. Today, she is not only facilitating empowerment sessions but is also recognized as a positive role model and emerging community leader in her village.

Ramila now dreams of continuing her work in the social sector and dedicating herself to empowering more girls and young women in rural communities.

Reflecting on her journey, Ramila shares with gratitude: “PHASE Nepal helped me find my voice. Today, I can speak confidently, express my ideas, and encourage other girls to believe in themselves. I am thankful to PHASE Nepal for changing my life.”

This story demonstrates that the GEP program not only empowered adolescent participants but also built the confidence and leadership capacity of local facilitators.

The best way to support more women like Ramila and the teenage girls she supports  is to make a regular donation to PHASE Worldwide.