Rita's story is emblematic of the challenges faced by countless girls and women in remote mountain communities, where access to education and resources is severely limited. Born into a poor family in a village bordering far-west Nepal, Rita was the eldest of six siblings. In a society where traditional gender roles often relegated women to domestic duties, she became a primary caregiver and domestic help, sacrificing her educational aspirations.

In these remote areas, schools are sporadically located, often far from home and difficult to reach due to undulating terrains. As a result, many girls like Rita never had the opportunity to enroll in formal schooling. Recognizing this systemic issue, Experiments in Rural Advancement (ERA) strategically engaged with local youth, particularly girls and women, to enroll them in formal education and help them access government schemes that would empower them and uphold their rights.

Rita's educational journey began at an ERA school, where she completed her studies up to class V. With the support of ERA, she continued her education, eventually completing high school in Lucknow at a relative's place and senior secondary education through the Open School in Champawat. This educational foundation was pivotal in shaping her future, providing her with the skills and confidence to navigate the challenges ahead.

In 1999, Rita married, but her initial years of married life were fraught with struggles. However, her resilience shone through when she became an Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) in 2005, followed by a role as an Anganwadi worker from 2005 to 2009. Her commitment to her community and her newfound skills led her to contest and win the 2009 Panchayat election for Gram Pradhan (village head).

Winning the election was a significant milestone, but it came with its own set of challenges. The Chief Medical Officer (CMO) pressured Rita to resign from her Anganwadi position, subjecting her to mental harassment. Rather than succumbing to this pressure, Rita sought justice through the judiciary, successfully obtaining a status quo order. Despite this, the CMO continued to harass her, prompting Rita to escalate the issue to the District Magistrate, who reprimanded the CMO for the harassing actions.

Rita's determination and resilience allowed her to continue serving as both an ASHA worker and Gram Pradhan until 2014. Her leadership skills flourished during this time, and she emerged as a strong community leader, advocating for the needs of her female colleagues and addressing the day-to-day challenges faced by women in her community. In recognition of her leadership, she was re-elected as Gram Pradhan in 2019.

Today, Rita serves as the block-level President of the Uttarakhand ASHA Health Worker Union, where she continues to champion the rights and welfare of women & children in her community. Her journey from a marginalized girl to a respected leader exemplifies the transformative power of education and community support. Rita carries forward the torch of empowerment that ERA ignited in her life, inspiring others to pursue their dreams and advocate for their rights.

Rita's story is a testament to the impact of targeted interventions in education and community engagement, highlighting the importance of empowering women and girls in remote areas. Through her leadership, she not only uplifts herself but also paves the way for future generations, ensuring that the cycle of marginalization is broken.