Niharika's Journey In a small village 13 km from Mall block, Niharika, the middle child in a struggling family, was forced to drop out of school due to financial hardship. Her father, a farmer, prioritized survival over education, believing that schooling was a luxury. Societal norms reinforced the belief that education was for boys, & Niharika resigned herself to a life confined to domestic duties. When Vatsalya’s team visited the village, they conducted a thorough risk assessment, engaging with families to understand the root causes of school dropout. They identified financial constraints, gender bias, & a lack of awareness about the value of girls' education as key barriers. As part of their mitigation strategy, the team emphasized collective action: they encouraged girls like Niharika to study. Niharika’s family agreed to her re-enrolment. She is pursuing her studies as a private  students, with the added support of local community members who rallied around her with books, stationery and notes. The peer group approach, along with community backing, made her feel safer & more attainable. Niharika re-enrolled in grade 9, & as she excelled, she became a role model, leading by example & organizing study groups for other girls. Her efforts, along with the community’s growing support, gradually shifted attitudes toward girls’ education, breaking down traditional barriers & empowering more girls in the village to pursue their dreams. Niharika’s story demonstrated the transformative power of education, community support, & collective action in overcoming gender biases & socio-economic challenges.