Last week, Seema, a Yuwa Class 2021 graduate, was offered & accepted a full scholarship 2 @Harvard University. Harvard, considered 1 of the best universities n the world, had a historically low acceptance rate this yr, 3.4% - & a record # of applicants. Seema defied these odds.

Seema is the daughter of illiterate parents in a rural village in #Jharkhand, #India. Her family relies on subsistence farming as well as her father’s work at a local thread factory.

After joining a Yuwa football team in 2012, Seema has avoided child marriage, defended her right to an education, and played football for years despite being ridiculed for wearing shorts. She will be the first woman in her family to attend a university.

Although Seema does not know what she will major in at Harvard University yet, she has a clear vision for her future: “Gender equality is a development that I want to see in my village and the whole world...

...Bringing gender equality to my community is essential to reduce injustices against women like gender discrimination, domestic violence, child marriage etc. It would not only show economic growth but also social, where women take part in decision making at each house...

... I plan 2 start an org 4 women n my village. This would have 2 goals. 1.Start a small business that would train women 2 b financially independent. 2.Educate women about their rights & build a bigger network 2 support women by providing essential vocational skills & knowledge.”

CONGRATULATIONS, Seema! We are all so proud of you.
#girlempowerment #S4D #EducateAGirl #footballforgood