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According to the 2011 Nepal Census, 90% of women in Mugu are illiterate, early marriage is common, and gender inequality is prevalent in nearly all aspects of life. When the Mugu soccer team decided to compete, the team were directly challenging conventions and norms set for women.
the himalayan messi
Representing their district in a national tournament was not only a matter of pride, but also a window into the world that lay beyond Mugu. This was the first time they had left Mugu, the first time they set foot on the plains of the Tarai, the first time they saw bullock carts, rickshaws, and airplanes. People in all the villages along the way cheered for the girls, blessed them, and thanked them for making Mugu proud.
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Over many eras, well past beautiful, to the far side of the Other World lies Mugu district in Nepal. The days are very very tough for most people there, but particularly for women. Life expectancy in Mugu is 49 years for men, 39 for women. Literacy rate in general is 27%, but for women, 9%. Sixty-three percent of girls aged 15 to 19 are married.
Sunakali does not so much think much about statistics as feel them. Though she had never left her remote Himalayan district, she felt the scorn of the developed world and the anguish of being somehow less. Sunakali and her home girls, who were introduced to the beautiful game in 2011, latched onto the sport with both hands, took the proverbial ball and ran with it. With courage and passion, the girls developed an understanding of their strength and the true power of the game.
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