Rima Kumari [she/her]

INDIA | Health/Reproductive Health
Rima Kumari is a passionate advocate for girls' education and gender equality, hailing from a small village in India where the birth of a girl is often seen as a burden. Growing up in a society that restricted girls from education, sports, and personal freedom, Rima faced immense challenges from an early age. Despite these barriers, she defied societal norms, becoming the first girl in her village to play soccer, a sport reserved for boys. Her determination led her to participate in the Donosti Cup, an international soccer tournament in Spain, making her the first girl from her village to travel abroad.

Rima's journey to education was equally challenging. In a community where no woman could read or write, she became the first woman in her village to learn to read and write. She funded her education by coaching a girls' soccer team and eventually paid for her sister's schooling as well. Through her perseverance, Rima became an inspiration to many, leading efforts to enroll girls in school and fight against child marriage and domestic violence.

Currently, Rima is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Geoscience at Washington and Lee College in the USA and is attending Oxford University for her winter term. She has represented India at global conferences like Women Deliver and collaborated with leaders such as Malala Yousafzai. Her advocacy has resulted in more than 20 girls from her village enrolling in school, escaping child marriage, and pursuing their dreams.

Rima's story is one of resilience, determination, and empowerment. She aspires to write a book that inspires girls worldwide to pursue education, challenge gender inequality, and break free from societal constraints.

This bio is updated as of May 2025.