KATHMANDU, July 22: Bipana Sharma believes that there’s no age-bar for success. “If you have the zeal to be at the top, age is just number.  So it’s never too early to chase your dream,” Sharma, an aspiring child activist shared. 

Originally from Sunwol Municipality, Nawalparasi, the 19-year-old Sharma has been associated with Child-Friendly Local Governance (CFLG) since she was just 11 years old. This is the age for most children to indulge in cartoons, and nurture academic growth. But Sharma chose a different path. 

“We have been beaten by teachers. There are plenty of children who are working in hotels and industrial estates.  Many are also forced into premature marriage. These children are barred from education. Such child rights violations are matters of concern.” Further sharing her experience, Sharma added, “I went to the municipality to find a solution, but no one believed me just because they thought I was immature.”

She, however, never stopped to search an answer to the questions. Her quest led to the establishment of a child club, Ekta Child Club, from which she eventually went on to represent child rights issues from VDC level to municipality levels. She claimed that her efforts persuaded the Sunwol Municipality to allocate the 15% of the total budget onto the welfare of children.  “It was a proud moment for all of us. But, it is a tough job to maintain that declaration,” she said. 

Acknowledging her contribution and talent, she bagged the first position in the Glocal Teen Hero 2015. She was only one from out of valley among six finalists in the competition. Similarly, she also won the Asian Girl Human Rights Awards in 2015. 

In KP Oli’s first tenure as Nepal’s prime minister, in 2016, she visited him and submitted a letter stating the child rights situation of Nepal.  “It was a fruitful visit with PM Oli. He had responded positively so it was a historic movement for me,” she stated.   

At present, she is pursuing law in Nepal Law Campus. Sharma yearns to be the first female prime minister of Nepal. “To become the prime minister of Nepal is my childhood dream. Even my friends acknowledge my potentiality. I also dream to nurture a child-friendly environment across Nepal. I will continue advocating for child rights and welfare.” shared Sharma.