Many women are imparting quality education to college goers, just like their male counterparts. With their flair for teaching, they have made a positive difference in students' life. But like women in every other field, female lecturers are also facing different hurdles. Some of them share with The Himalayan Times their experiences: Challenges: I haven't faced any challenge for being a female academic. Instead, my college has been facing the problems of students dropping out and it is a challenge for me as a campus chief to address them. Many students at our college work as well, and they tend to drop out, unable to handle the pressure. Making positive difference: Education opens the door of opportunities. So, I always urge my students to manage time for their studies despite all odds. Once a student pursuing her B Ed level was ready to drop out of college being unable to create balance between her studies and household chores. I counselled her to manage time, which she did and topped the B Ed level. I am also balancing my career and personal life well.

— Jaya Dhakal Guragain, Sandipani College, Koteshwor

Challenges: I teach the students of Master's level — most of them are of my parents' age. Once I was explaining about the term 'family' in class — I told them that parents are the centre of family. But a student argued that for them their children are the centre of family. Nevertheless, I gave my reasons why I was correct. Due to the age difference and students having more life experiences than me, sometimes the classes are challenging. Making positive difference: It has been few months that I have started teaching and it is a new experience for me. I am learning while sharing with students. The classes are fun-filled — the students share jokes to make class light. I also listen to them and try to understand their viewpoints — it has helped us to understand each other well, making the teaching-learning process effective.

— Deepa Maharjan, Central Department of Nepal Bhasa, Tribhuvan University, Patan

Challenges: I have been teaching students of different levels for the last 22 years. Initially, when I had just entered this profession, I used to feel being looked down upon because of my gender. Male colleagues and students used to underestimate me and treat me as someone under qualified for the job. I have faced the discrimination for being a woman. However, that is not a challenge for me now — students have awarded me with the title of 'Best Teacher' for several years. Making positive difference: I remember one of my students in Class XII, who was into drugs and neglected his studies. That guy was in love with a girl of his class. So, I advised the girl to talk to the boy and convince him to stop using drugs and motivate him to study. And she was able to convince him! They are married now. The couple often thanks me for the advice.

— Momila Joshi, Goldengate International College, Battisputali

Challenges: Students these days lack patience and it is difficult for all teachers to deal with such students. I have experienced male students attempting to disturb my class because I am a female teacher. They also don't respect female teachers as compared to the males. I motivate such students by telling them that they will get good marks in internal exams of college if they submit assignments on time and are disciplined. Making positive difference: The first year students who I teach in B Arch don’t have basic knowledge of drawing, so I start by teaching them free-hand drawing. Many such students, inspired by my teaching, are following the path of being an architect as well as an artist. Teaching for me is a platform to share and learn, and I have been able to do so.

— Sarita Dongol, Himalayan Engineering College, Shankhamul

Challenges: Because of my gender, I feel many students do not regard me as their teacher. They often try to bully me and make noise in my class. The college administration also never takes viewpoints of female teachers seriously — we are not included in decision making roles of college affairs. With my command over the subject matter and confidence, I have been able to overcome the problems though. I have also been able to make the male colleagues believe that women are as efficient as men through my hard work and dedication to my profession. Making positive difference: Teaching is not merely a job for me. Rather it is a process to give knowledge to the students. It is not only to impart education, but also to inspire, help students get a perspective of their life and bring about a change, and guide them in achieving success in their future. And I have been able to do so for my students.

— Dil Keshwari Maharjan, Nepalaya Higher Secondary School, Kalanki