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Seema Kumari is a girl from a village in Jharkhand, India who successfully secured a full scholarship to attend Harvard University!
Born to parents who didn’t have the privilege of getting an education, Seema was helped by YUWA India – an NGO that aims to empower girls in the state of Jharkhand.
Joining the YUWA football team in 2012, Seema ‘avoided child marriage and defended her right to an education’. She is set to be the first woman in her family to go to university.
As well as Harvard University, she was also accepted into Ashoka University, Middlebury College and Trinity College- Hartford.
In a statement, Seema said: “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 to start an organization for women in my village.This program would have two goals. One to start a small business that would train women to be financially independent.The other is to educate women about their rights and to build a bigger network to support women by providing essential vocational skills and knowledge.”
Actress Priyanka Chopra took to Twitter to celebrate the great achievement. She tweeted: “Educate a girl and she can change the world … such an inspiring achievement. Bravo Seema. I can’t wait to see what you do next.”
An inspiration to many young girls, we wish Seema all the best at Harvard!
You can also follow YUWA India here.
Positive World Online 