Speaking up for girls

Asfa recalls a pivotal moment. “I was reading about a Nepali girl called Nursat. She came from a community steeped in tradition, where the notion of female emancipation remains a distant dream. She didn’t know that girls could go to school, or work, or take on leadership roles. I thought about how empowering it must have been for Nursat to learn from a VSO volunteer that she had a right to an education like anyone else.”

Asfa is passionate about the rights of women and girls. She feels strongly about the inequality faced by girls and women around the world.

In particular, Asfa feels very strongly about child marriage but is happy to see that VSO volunteers are facilitating access to education for girls like Nursat, which can be a powerful tool to prevent child marriage.

“Being female and from a South Asian background, I feel that if I’m not going to speak about it, who will?"

I want to keep fighting for women and girls.” 

Meaningful conversations and connections  

Empowered and equipped with knowledge on VSO’s mission and impact, Asfa sparks meaningful conversations and builds genuine connections with those on the door.

“Throughout the day, we fundraisers wear many hats - educator, advocate, and storyteller. We share powerful stories about how positive change can be achieved through collective action,” explains Asfa. 

Asfa notes that many supporters are keen to hear about volunteers: “Many VSO volunteers now come from the local communities that they volunteer in, bringing with them an understanding of the challenges, hopes, and dreams of their community,” she says. 

Asfa also recognises the importance of every interaction as a way to plant seeds of awareness.  

The result of these doorstep interactions is inspiring conversations, and Asfa is moved by the generosity of those who share her wish to make a lasting difference. “When you talk with passion,” she says. “It resonates with people.”   

VSO open doors, and unlocks memories

Some of Asfa’s most memorable experiences have been with people who have a connection to VSO. “I remember a big smile lit up one woman’s face when she opened the door. Her father had volunteered for VSO in the 1970s.”

For Asfa this chance encounter reaffirmed the importance of VSO’s work and is a testament to the power of volunteering

For Asfa, this role has also led to personal development and growth. She has learnt many new skills, including the ability to articulate and express VSO’s mission. She’s also learnt the importance of staying aware of changing fundraising trends.

“Overall, it’s a role that requires dedication, perseverance, and a passion for a cause,” she explains.   

Hopes for the future  

Asfa’s long-term plan is to become a Human Rights Lawyer. Once she’s graduated in June, she hopes to pursue a postgraduate diploma in law.  “I want to keep fighting for women and girls,” she says. 

She also hopes that people will continue to support VSO. “A donation can be the difference between a classroom and a forced child marriage for a young girl” she says.

You can play your part in helping VSO volunteers empower women so they can dream big, by donating today.

Donate now

Asfa works for Zen Fundraising, one of the specialist agencies working in proud partnership with VSO to support our door-to-door fundraising. Thanks to fundraisers like Asfa, over 10,000 new supporters have joined the VSO community over the last three years alone, giving monthly gifts to create lasting change.