THE FACE BEHIND MY PASSION FOR POLICY
She was a curious girl with big dreams, yet she carried a constant worry in the back of her mind: whether her parents would allow her to continue her education after Grade 10. She was already aware of the uncertainty surrounding her future. She feared that she might be married off at a young age. It made me question: Does a girl's life begin and end with marriage?
Richa Mandal Dhanuk,7th July,2026,
From the Field to Public Policy: My Journey towards Creating Change
During a cloudy day in 2018, while conducting fieldwork as a Bachelor's student in Public Health, I noticed a young schoolgirl walking toward me. Dressed in her school uniform and carrying a backpack, she approached me with a smile and asked, "Didi, what are you doing?" That simple question became the beginning of a journey that would shape my career aspirations. As I explained the importance of public health, the consequences of neglecting one's well-being, and the opportunities within the field, I could see the curiosity and excitement in her eyes. She then shared her dream of continuing her education, becoming a good human being, and achieving financial independence.
She was a curious girl with big dreams, yet she carried a constant worry in the back of her mind: whether her parents would allow her to continue her education after Grade 10. She was already aware of the uncertainty surrounding her future. She feared that she might be married off at a young age. It made me question: Does a girl's life begin and end with marriage?
That conversation marked the beginning of my own journey. Listening to her story made me realize how profoundly public policy shapes people's lives. I came to understand that policy is one of the most powerful tools for creating lasting social change. I believe that policy shapes structural destiny. Without supportive laws and policies, that little girl's future would be left entirely to the whims of traditional social norms. Because of education policies, she has the opportunity to remain in school and pursue her aspirations. Yet, despite this progress, much work remains to be done.
This realization motivated me to pursue a master's degree in Public Policy so that I could better understand how evidence-based policymaking can address structural inequalities and create meaningful change. I chose this field because I wanted to serve my community, not only with good intentions, but with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience necessary to design effective solutions.
The young girl's uncertainty continues to drive my commitment to public policy. She taught me that sustainable societal change requires more than compassion; it requires evidence-based, structural solutions. With this belief, I found Daayitwa, where I was given the invaluable opportunity to work directly on public policy while engaging with the realities faced by communities across Nepal.
Her story is where my journey into public policy began. The curiosity of a young girl ultimately led me to Daayitwa, a place where my vision and values truly align. It is where my passion for serving people meets my conviction that lasting solutions can only be achieved through evidence-based policymaking. Policy is not a temporary fix, it is a long-term solution to structural problems.