"In many societies and cultures around the world, girls are devalued, and as a consequence, education for them isn’t a priority. These conditions can place enormous limitations on their hopes and dreams.
Their stories often are not those they would write for themselves, but are written for them by society.
A pivotal moment in my life which inspired the work I am passionately devoted to—encouraging everyone to 'write their own story'—was in the summer of 2017 when I visited the Pardada Pardadi school for girls in India.
I developed an activity, 'What is your story?' which uses a story mandala inspired by my visit to India to help explore our own stories and develop empathy for others.”
-Alysia Demspey, Author I Dream India
My Pivotal Moment by Lena Shareef, Senior Producer National Geographic Women Of Impact Feb. 2020