Nepali Women Fascinated to Learn about the Opportunities Available to Women in America

September 17, 2009

Ms. Renae Ask speaking with students (State Dept.)

USAID Development Management Specialist Renae Ask spoke to 107 women and teachers of "Prerana Mahila Vidyalaya" school for women in Lalitpur (the second largest city in the Kathmandu Valley) as a part of Public Affairs Kathmandu's ongoing Embassy Speakers Program. This is a unique school established for women 16-58 years old who had to discontinue their formal education due to marriage or other reasons, but who later wanted to continue their education.

The teachers work for low salaries as the school is poorly funded and these women, many from low income families or working as maids, cannot pay high fees. Despite these disadvantages, their test results are encouraging. Ms. Ask spoke about the available opportunities for women in the United States, women leadership, and the importance of an advanced education and answered questions from the students, who were enthusiastic to learn about American society and its cultural values.