Tales of Change
LAALI KOHLI
Where there’s a Will, there’s a way
I started with short-distance runs in my village; running a marathon and winning it was never on my mind. I never dreamed about the opportunities it would open up," Laali said
Meet Laali, an 18-year-old girl from the Kohli community in Magho Patel village, Jhalori, Sindh. Laali has defied stereotypes and inspired girls from her community through her incredible achievements in sports. Laali's journey with CSSP began in 2019 when she participated in a skill development course at CSSP's Rozgar Center in Magho Patel. Despite facing various challenges of rural life, including limited access to resources and societal norms, Laali demonstrated exceptional dedication and enthusiasm in acquiring new skills.
Following successful completion of the course, Laali continued her education while actively engaging in sports activities at the grassroots level. She embraced sports with passion, participating in various local village competitions and emerging as a winner.Laali recalled sprinting back home from school faster than the boys in her village, leaving them jealous. Little did she know that her running, initially a familial duty to fetch water from a distant village hand pump, would turn into a passion.
Laali’s commitment to personal development did not stop with sports. She actively participated in various social activism trainings offered by CSSP in her village. Her involvement in CSSP’s programs equipped her with valuable skills and knowledge, enabling her to make a positive impact on those around her. Recognizing Laali’s passion for sports, CSSP facilitated her participation in the 1st Commissioner Marathon Race in Mirpurkhas in February 2024.
Laali achieved a significant milestone by winning the Marathon Race in Mirpurkhas district and was awarded a cash prize of 25,000 rupees, becoming the first girl from her village to achieve such athletic success. Her victory captured widespread attention, with government officials and media personalities praising her remarkable journey.
n a society where girls are often discouraged from taking up sports seen as a male domain, Laali’s father being wage labor couldn’t afford to support her athletic pursuits. Recognizing Laali’s passion for sports, CSSP collaborated with the Commissioner’s office to provide support for her participation in an athletic trial at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi. She not only participated in the trial but also passed her first athletic trial. She aims to inspire girls in her village that with passion and support, they can achieve anything, even with limited resources. Laali is now known for her passion and dedication toward empowering other girls from her village to come forward and take part in district-level sports competitions.
Her journey is a shining example of the impact of CSSP’s Women’s Socio-Economic Empowerment Program in enabling young women to realize their potential and contribute positively to society. Through her resilience, dedication, and achievements, Laali has not only shattered stereotypes but also become a beacon of hope and inspiration for girls and women in her community, proving that with determination and support, anything is possible.