Thirty seven-year-old Sita Gurung from Makawanpur district attempts to change attitudes and behaviour of people who live in her community towards women and violence against them. Her manner may be quiet but it is courageous. Sita says she heard of the ‘We Can’ campaign while at the Women’s Skill Creation Centre. “Discrimination against women and domestic violence is very common in my area and it really bothers me as it negatively affects each and every family in the neighbourhood. The minute I heard about the campaign, I immediately enlisted as a Change Maker. My first task was to gather women around and speak to them about discrimination and violence. I got them to articulate their feelings and their experiences.”

“As the women grew comfortable and began to open up to me I talked to them about the importance of being literate. The women began seeing my point of view and many of them joined up adult literacy classes. But soon I encountered a problem. I approached one lady’s husband and, at first, he agreed to allow his wife to attend adult literacy classes. But as soon as she enrolled and began to attend class, he began to raise objections. He felt that his food was not being served on time as his wife was away at class. He then refused to allow her to go. I intervened and reasoned with him. I explained to him that controlling his wife’s behaviour meant that he was violating her rights as her person. It greatly surprised him. He grew thoughtful. And, then strangely, instead of opposing me he agreed with me and said his wife could attend classes if she wished to. This quick turnaround took me by complete surprise as well. I see it as a great achievement. I am convinced that change is possible and little changes like this can go a long way in improving the lives of women in their homes.”