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My name is Khushi Kumari, and I live in Giridih, Jharkhand. I am 19 years old and I have been associated with FAT since 2016. I joined FAT to learn computers.

Before I joined, I was a quiet person who was not even confident enough to talk to my own father. I had low self-confidence, and was very sensitive and got emotional very quickly. Even a joke about my future marriage would make me cry. I would want to respond and speak out my thoughts, but could not muster enough courage to do so. I did not participate in any competitive events. I had a very limited worldview and was unable to understand the different kinds of social issues we face in society. I felt I was different from everyone else and did not have any aspirations for my future.

After joining FAT I gained the confidence to express myself without any hesitation. Now people note my self-confidence and commend me for understanding various issues. They listen to what I have to say. I now have open conversations with my father and share my learnings and whatever is on my mind with him. I have started participating in, and even winning, competitions and feel confident to go up on stage. Instead of crying, I respond with an explanation and have a discussion with them on girls’ rights.

Recently, I got admission at Nav Gurukul. Navgurukul offers a fully-funded skilling program in software engineering with guaranteed job to youth from low-income families. The program is for one year and is a residential course. Fat gave wings to pursue dreams and aspirations I didn’t think I would ever be able to pursue.

During the lockdown, my father’s work stopped. We didn’t know where our next meal would come from and there was no one to help us. In a time like this, FAT assisted us by providing aid from the Relief Fund. This was a tremendous help, as it enabled us to buy our groceries. When there is no money for the basic necessities like food, then one cannot afford to get their phone recharged or seek admission in college. Taking note of our requirements, FAT helped me continue my journey to be a community leader.

I joined the “Corona Nahi Karuna” campaign with aid from the Phone Recharge Fund. The campaign dispelled misinformation on Covid-19. I shared all my new learnings with my community so that they too would not fall prey to rumours and fake news.

I also helped disperse the FAT Relief Fund in my community. During the lockdown, many people in my community had no means to buy their groceries. When I got to know about the distribution centers, I helped in getting ration for my community. For example, a neighbour, during the lockdown, was struggling to get food and their little child who was hungry would keep crying. Their problem was aggravated because they also had loans to repay. In spite of our own struggles, I helped them to procure groceries. After all, there is nothing greater than humanity.

It is hard for me to imagine our situation had there been no help but I know that my journey to hone my leadership skills would have come to an end.

As told by Khushi Sharma, transcribed by Rupali and translated by Remi. Currently, Khushi is participating in the #CoronaNahiKaruna Campaign.

Feminist Approach to Technology (FAT) works with young women from marginalised communities in Delhi, Jharkhand, Bihar and Maharashtra by enabling them to access, use and create technology through a feminist rights-framework.

Help us reach more young women across India.

To donate for our work, please visit www.fat-net.org/donate

For inquiries or more details please feel free to write to us at fat@fat-net.org