Where Girls Once Stayed Silent, Football Helped Them Find Their Voice

Sneha Khadka, Communication Coordinator CORN

Date Published

August 25, 2026

Estimated Reading Time

6 mins

Growing Up Within Invisible Social Boundaries

From Taekwondo icon Sangina Vaidya to football sensation Sabitri Bhandari, popularly known as “Samba,” the stories of Nepal’s female athletes are often celebrated for their achievements, determination, and resilience. Yet behind these victories lies a more difficult reality: a long-standing struggle against social expectations, gender stereotypes, and deeply rooted patriarchy.

For generations, many Nepali women have grown up within invisible boundaries set by society. From an early age, girls are often taught how to behave, what dreams are acceptable, and for many girls, seeing a woman confidently leading a football training challenged not only the belief that sports are for men, but also the broader social expectations that can limit girls’ choices, mobility, and future opportunities. How far they are allowed to go. Decisions are frequently shaped by social expectations rather than personal ambition, leaving little space for women to explore their interests, identities, and potential freely.

The conversation around gender equality continues to surface across communities: Are women and men truly equal? Can women compete alongside men? Are women capable of excelling in spaces traditionally dominated by men? These questions, often rooted in doubt and bias, continue to limit opportunities for women and girls, restricting their confidence, mobility, and ability to dream beyond the roles society has long prescribed for them.

*The five-day football training opened up new possibilities for girls—to participate actively, make their own choices, and dream of the lives they want to lead. Photo: CORN*

Beyond the Classroom, Into New Possibilities

This reality becomes even more visible in sports.

In many parts of Nepal, girls participating in sports still face stigma and hesitation. Whether in urban cities or rural villages, sports are often viewed as a male space, while girls are expected to remain spectators rather than participants. Although conversations around equality and inclusion are gradually growing stronger, meaningful change cannot remain confined to policies or discussions alone. It must be reflected in everyday practice, opportunities, and behavior.

At Shree Mahendra Secondary School in Kundur, a recently concluded football training program challenged exactly these long-standing norms.

Organized by Calls Over Ridges Nepal (CORN) in collaboration with WE United, the five-day football training brought together 30 girls aged 11 to 16 from Grades 6 to 10, alongside two female teachers above the age of 30. Conducted at Shree Mahendra Secondary School in Kundur-12, Gorkha, the initiative created a space where learning extended far beyond the classroom. The initiative was not only about football; it was about confidence, participation, leadership, and reclaiming spaces from which girls have historically been excluded.

*Football fostered confidence, self-expression, leadership, and teamwork, while bringing women of different generations together to learn and break social norms. Photo: CORN*

A Female Head Coach, A Role Model, A Wider World of Possibilities

From the very first day, the energy on the field was undeniable. Students arrived early, eager to participate and learn something entirely new. One particularly memorable moment came when Coach Razeta Shakya introduced herself as the Head Coach. For many students, it was the first time they had ever seen a female football coach. Her presence represented more than leadership on the field. For many girls, seeing a woman confidently leading a football training challenge challenges the belief that sports are only for men. Beyond teaching football skills, Coach Razeta’s presence encouraged students to imagine new possibilities for themselves and their futures.

As the sessions continued, the football ground transformed into more than just a training space. It became an environment where girls could move freely, encourage one another, and slowly let go of fear and hesitation. The laughter, determination, and teamwork visible throughout the week highlighted how powerful safe and inclusive spaces can be for young girls. As the training progressed, students became more vocal, interactive, and confident during sessions. Girls who were initially shy gradually began participating actively, encouraging teammates, asking questions, and expressing themselves more openly both on and off the field.

*Seeing a female football coach as a role model broadened the girls’ horizons. Photo: CORN*

Beyond the Boundaries, A Shared Journey of Learning

What stood out most throughout the training was the participation of two female teachers, Shiva Kumari B.K. and Meera Pariyar, who committed themselves to all five days of the program. Watching teachers learn alongside their students was both inspiring and deeply symbolic. To make students comfortable, those teachers were wearing jerseys. It reflected a shared journey, one where women of different generations were stepping beyond social expectations together.

For these two female teachers, joining the training was both an act of courage and a personal milestone. Both women shared that they had always been interested in sports growing up, but opportunities simply did not exist for them when they were students. Football, especially for girls, was once considered socially unacceptable within their communities.

Participating in the training allowed them to experience something they had long been denied. More importantly, it allowed them to serve as role models for their students, showing young girls that learning, growth, and participation should never be limited by gender or age.

*Learning should never be limited by gender or age. Believe in your potential, and discover more possibilities for your life. Photo: CORN*

Their stories reflect a larger reality faced by countless women across Nepal. Patriarchal systems often create invisible boundaries around women’s lives that restrict not only movement, but also confidence, curiosity, ambition, and self-expression. These barriers shape what women believe they are “allowed” to pursue and quietly discourage them from imagining possibilities beyond traditional expectations.

Break the Boundaries. Become Who You Want to Be.

Yet programs like this demonstrate what becomes possible when those barriers begin to break.

For students like Samikshya, the experience was transformative. Seeing a female football coach for the first time challenged her understanding of what women can achieve. Beyond football skills, she gained a stronger belief in her own potential.

The impact of the initiative extended beyond the football field as well. Community members, local leaders, teachers, and parents witnessed firsthand how sports can become a tool for empowerment, inclusion, and social change. Through collaboration and support, the program created a message that resonated far beyond the school grounds: girls deserve equal opportunities to learn, lead, and thrive.

*Teachers, parents, community members, and local leaders witnessed firsthand how sports can promote gender inclusion and drive social change. Photo: CORN*

At its core, the “Beyond the Classroom” initiative reflects a simple but powerful belief that education is not limited to textbooks, examinations, or classroom walls. Experiences like sports training help young people build resilience, teamwork, leadership, and self-confidence while strengthening their connection to their communities.

In Kundur, football became far more than a game. It became a symbol of possibility. A challenge to patriarchy. And a reminder that when girls are given opportunities, encouragement, and space to grow, they are capable of far more than society has ever allowed them to believe.