I Rise because : “ An educated woman can be better human being , successful mother , and a responsible citizen .”
Ayperi – Success story
I Rise because : “ An educated woman can be better human being , successful mother , and a responsible citizen .”
As a community mobilizer in eastern Tajikistan , Ayperi works relentlessly to help women become key decision makers in their communities .
“ There is a lack of women ’ s engagement and participation in decision making and community-based organizations ,” she says . “ Women also face specific constraints when it comes to their rights as users of natural resources , such as land and pasture .”
Rallying communities in the name of change , Ayperi distributes information on gender equality and hosts roundtable discussions with women to work through issues they face as undervalued members of society .
None of this important work would have been possible without a scholarship from Central Asia Institute , said Ayperi .
“ A scholarship helped me achieve my career goals by reducing my stress over the lack of money and giving me the opportunity to focus on a university experience .”
As impressive as her resume already is , Ayperi hopes to continue studying so she can be even more effective at bringing about change in her community . By studying law and getting a master ’ s degree she hopes to continue down this path of helping others , and women in particular .
“ Studying law gives to women freedom of thought and also helps in raising the status of women . I want to help people to solve their problems . I want to help everybody to know the rules that we all have to follow to get along .”
She says much of her drive and motivation to help others comes from the way she was raised .
Her childhood shaped her perspectives on what women could and couldn ’ t do .
When she was 2 years old her parents got divorced . Her mother brought her up all by herself , but encouraged her daughter to study hard and push boundaries . A strong-willed single mother and lawyer , she was a role model for her daughter .
When Ayperi graduated from 10th grade , her mother encouraged her to study abroad , something almost unheard of in their small rural town . Undaunted , Ayperi applied to an exchange program , was accepted , and spent the following year in California .
“ Until the 10th grade I studied in [ Tajikistan ’ s ] Murghab District . After 10th grade I ’ ve studied in America for 1 year .”
After returning from the U . S ., Ayperi worked as an English interpreter in her hometown , guiding tourists in the summer to earn a little extra money for her family . Eventually she transitioned into her current role as a community organizer . However , her sights are still set on a master ’ s degree in law .
“ Educated women play an important role the development of their country . When women are well-educated they will be able serve the society as writers , teachers , lawyers , doctors , administrator , politicians , and much more .”
Ayperi intends to be one of those exceptional women , working to better herself and her country , always pushing boundaries . We look forward to seeing all that she accomplishes in the future . •
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