I have been working as a local counsellor as part of the Mana Bidda Project for the past few years and it has been one of the most rewarding experiences. We conduct regular village meetings to raise awareness amongst the people about the importance of the girl child: this includes meeting with families and counseling them against sex-determined abortions. We also speak specifically with women to let them know that they are never alone; there is always someone to turn to and they must always feel that they have support and love from their community. We also speak to their families to stress on the importance of not having to discriminate between boys and girls. Every time I see a woman considering aborting her daughter, I ask her if there’s any real difference between girls and boys? They weigh the same and almost look the same; they can accomplish the exact same things in life, given the same opportunities. Why discriminate?

Through all my work, I have gained a sufficient amount of respect from many government officials in the area and they regularly involve me in their cases now. I’m happy to be a guiding voice to women that need one.”