Refusing to Be Left Behind: Women’s History Month

Across the world, women once denied an education are rewriting their futures. This Women’s History Month, we’re celebrating their courage to begin again.

What you’ll see in this story:

• Women learning to read and write for the first time
• New income, leadership, and independence
• Mothers changing the future for their children

In the communities we work in, many girls grow up without access to education. But for these women, that was not the end.

Across six countries, they made the same choice: to start again. These are their stories.

From Regret to Purpose in Senegal

Mariama Cissé grew up in Ngouck Diama, Senegal and received a religious education, but never learned to read or write in French, the national language used in the Senegalese educational system.

For years, that reality weighed on her. “I always wanted to help others learn,” she explains. “But how could I teach if I couldn’t read or write?”

That changed when buildOn launched our Adult Literacy Program in her community. “Before, I couldn’t even read my name,” she says. “Now, I can read, write, and express myself with confidence.”

“Before, I couldn’t even read my name. Now, I can read, write, and express myself with confidence.” —Mariama Cissé

But Mariama didn’t stop there.

Alongside other women, she used seed capital from buildOn to launch a small soap and detergent business. Instead of keeping the profits, they chose to give back, using the money to purchase cleaning supplies for their local school.

“This felt like the right way to give back to the community that believed in us,” she says.

Today, Mariama dreams of becoming a teacher. And this time, she has the skills and confidence to make her dream a reality.

A Second Chance at 57 in Nepal

Maheshwari Devi Sarki’s story begins with a sentence that has defined generations of women:

“During my childhood, girls were not sent to school.”

Married at 13 and a mother by 16, her life quickly became centered around survival and responsibility. Education was never an option for her.

Until decades later. 

At 57 years old, she enrolled in buildOn’s Adult Literacy Program in her hometown of Udasipur, Nepal. Today, she reads, writes, and confidently speaks in front of others. “I am really happy being educated and independent,” she says.

Her transformation has also changed her livelihood. Once dependent on others to manage her mat-making business, she now handles everything herself, from calculations to sales.

“I am really happy being educated and independent.”
— Maheshwari Devi Sarki

“Now I do all the calculations for my business by myself,” she explains. “It makes me very happy.”

Her story is proof that education doesn’t expire, and that independence can begin at any age.

Reclaiming a Dream in Mali

Rokiatou Kone once believed her education was over.

She left school after her family could no longer afford the fees, and early marriage changed the course of her life.

But when learning opportunities returned to her community, she didn’t hesitate. When buildOn launched an Adult Literacy Program in Soroni, her hometown, she enrolled immediately.

Today, Rokiatou can read, write, and calculate in her local language—and her goals have grown even bigger.

“Thanks to this program, I now believe I can become an Adult Literacy Program facilitator one day and give back to my family and community.”

We can’t wait to see what Rokiatou builds next.

Turning Math Into Opportunity in Nepal

Mishara Devi Agri, from Gadbijula Tole, Nepal, was denied an education simply because of her gender.

Her brothers got a chance to attend classes. She stayed home. “My brothers went to school, but my sisters and I had to work in the fields and do household chores,” she explains.

Married at 15, her life followed a familiar path. But years later, when she heard buildOn was starting an Adult Literacy Program in Gadbijula Tole, she took a chance.

And at 47, Mishara discovered a passion she never knew she had: math. “Math gave me the confidence to try something new and believe I could run a business,” she explains.

“Math gave me the confidence to try something new and believe I could run a business.”
— Mishara Devi Agri

Today, Mishara runs a small clothing business, selling garments her husband sends from India. Riding her bicycle from village to village, she earns daily income and supports her family.

“I am super happy with my work,” she says. “And my family is proud of me.”

Education taught her numbers and gave her independence.

Leading the Next Generation in Malawi

Fillister Banda grew up in a household of 38 children. None of them went to school.

For decades, education remained out of reach—until she joined buildOn’s Adult Literacy Program in Makungwa at age 60. She was driven by the desire to better her family’s lives. “Since joining the program, I’ve begun encouraging my children to get an education because I have known the goodness of being literate.” she says.

Today, Fillister is not only literate, she’s a leader. She now serves as secretary of her village’s savings and loans group, managing records and finances with confidence.

“Since joining the program, I’ve begun encouraging my children to get an education because I have known the goodness of being literate.” — Fillister Banda

“I am humbled by the fact that my fellow women can trust me with such a role.”

Her journey shows us the intergenerational impact of literacy.

Finding Her Voice in Haiti

Célestin Matilia spent decades building a life as a mother and farmer without ever having the opportunity to learn to read or write.

After completing buildOn’s Adult Literacy Program in Anglade, Haiti, everything changed.

Célestin became one of the top-performing participants in her class—and a respected voice in her community. Today, she confidently reads scripture in church, participates in Bible studies, and helps prepare church bulletins. 

Her story is a reminder that education brings dignity, participation, and belonging.

Why These Stories Matter

These women are not exceptions. They are part of a much larger truth: When women gain access to education, entire communities change.

When women learn, they earn income.
They support their children’s education.
They take on leadership roles.
They build stronger, more resilient futures.

And perhaps most importantly—they change what the next generation believes is possible.

If you want to expand access to education for hundreds of thousands of women across the globe, consider making a tax-deductible donation to support our work today.