From Timid to Fearless

I am Sufiya Khatun, a 16-year-old girl from a remote village of in Bihar. For a long time, I was known for my shyness and timidity. I used to depend on my family for everything, and the thought of doing things alone scared me. But life had different plans for me when my journey towards self-confidence and empowerment began.

My parents, Arshad Ali and Reshma Khatoon, were always there to support and help me with anything I needed. They would drop me off and pick me up wherever I went, ensuring that I never had to face the world alone. Though well-intentioned, this constant assistance made me even more hesitant to take on challenges independently.

One day, the Bihar Voluntary Health Association (BVHA) started implementing the project “Right to be a Girl” in our village. They were gathering girls and enrolling them to form an adolescent girls’ group to address critical issues like child marriage and sexual reproductive health. Curious, I decided to join the group, hoping to learn something new and interesting.

As I attended the group meetings and activities, my interest in the discussions grew. The topics were stimulating and unfamiliar, piquing my curiosity. Soon I started attending the sessions regularly, and something remarkable happened — my low confidence began to transform.

The turning point came when BVHA conducted a comprehensive training on “Life Skill Education”. The expert resource person conducted the sessions in such an engaging manner that all the girls, including myself, found it highly enriching. I learned so many things I had never known before.

One key lesson that stuck with me was that in life, we must push ourselves; no one will come to support us all the time. We have to take charge of our destiny and embrace responsibility if we want to grow. This realization sparked a fire within me, and I knew I had to step out of my comfort zone.

Now, I can proudly say that I have conquered my fears. I can handle things on my own, without anyone’s help. I go places alone and manage tasks independently. The once timid girl has transformed into a fearless and bold individual, unafraid to face life’s challenges.

Life skill education training have empowered me in ways I never imagined. I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this group, where I discovered my potential and learned to believe in myself. Today, I stand with newfound confidence, ready to take on the world.