18-year-old Mala*, from Chyoang, Biruwa, Gorkha, Nepal, did not have the chance to grow up in a loving household. In her childhood and teenage years, she experienced violence and neglect at the hands of her parents. They expected her to work, obey and support the family and when she failed to do so, Mala was severely punished, often by physical means.

Although she enjoyed going to school and learning, family conflicts and domestic abuse made it impossible for her to continue her studies. She did not receive any kind of support from her parents, argued with them on a daily basis and was under relentless pressure. At some point, she just could no longer hold it all together, and decided to drop out of school and leave home. 

With nobody to turn to and no money, Mala moved to the city of Pokhara and had no other choice but to start working to provide for herself. Life there was difficult: long working hours, a sense of despair and loneliness filled her days. Mala had lost her zest for life and no longer allowed herself to dream or think about her future, weighed down by the monotony of her life. 

Then she joined Opportunity Village Nepal. For the first time in years, she found a safe, welcoming space. Mala courageously opened up about her pain and felt truly heard and seen. Therapy helped her express and process difficult emotions tied to years of domestic abuse. Life-skills training and group counseling gave her the possibility to reclaim her story, connect with other girls who understood what she had been through and to realize her own worth.

Mala vividly remembers the first session where she spoke about the violence she endured at the hands of her parents. Sharing what she had held inside for so long lifted a heavy weight off her shoulders. Through regular follow-ups and support from the staff, Mala continued her healing journey and found confidence in her own voice again. Opening up and finding support and care is what allowed her to move forward.

I never thought people would listen to my pain. Now I feel I can stand on my own.

Every girl and woman who has survived violence follows her own path to healing, yet access to adequate psychosocial support and care is essential for all. By listening to their stories and supporting them with love and compassion, we help create the conditions for these women and girls to take the first step – towards reclaiming their agency and deciding on their own terms.

*Name changed