Girls’ Education in Gilgit-Baltistan: Fatima’s Inspiring Journey
In the rugged mountains of Ganche District in Gilgit-Baltistan, life is shaped by harsh terrain, long winters, and limited opportunities. In such remote communities, pursuing education, especially for girls, often requires extraordinary determination.
For Fatima, a teacher at Milraliwa Public School in Marzigond, education was not simply an ambition. It became a path to transform her own life and inspire others around her.
Fatima spent her childhood in a community where poverty was common and basic facilities were scarce. The mountainous region where she grew up had limited infrastructure, and many families struggled to meet daily needs.
Despite these difficulties, Fatima’s father believed strongly in the value of education. Although he had never received formal schooling himself, he worked tirelessly to ensure that his children had the opportunity to study. During the summer months, he earned a modest income as a high-altitude porter, carrying goods through mountainous routes. Whatever he earned, he invested in the future of his children. For Fatima, her father became her greatest inspiration. She recalls.
“Life was not easy; we lived in a remote area with very limited facilities, and many people around us were struggling. But my father always encouraged me to continue my education, even though he himself could not read or write.”
Sadly, Fatima lost her father at an early age. His passing left the family in a difficult financial situation and placed additional responsibilities on her shoulders.
Even after her father’s death, Fatima refused to abandon her dream of education. She completed her early schooling at a government school in her village. When opportunities for further education became limited, she continued her studies privately and prepared for her matriculation exams.
Her determination paid off. In 2009, Fatima successfully passed her matriculation examination with flying colors. More importantly, she became the first girl from Miraliwa Public School, Marzigond, to complete matriculation. Her achievement inspired many in her community.
Soon after completing her matriculation, Fatima saw an opportunity that would change the direction of her life. A teaching position became available at the same school where she had once studied. She appeared in the selection test and successfully qualified for the role.
When she received the news, it was a moment she would never forget. Her starting salary was 4,500 PKR per month, which may have seemed small to many, but for Fatima it represented something much greater. It was her first step toward independence.
As the eldest member of her family after her father’s death, Fatima took the responsibility of supporting eight family members. Despite the pressure, she remained determined to fulfill both her professional and family responsibilities.
In 2019, an important change came to Fatima’s school. Moawin Foundation adopted Miraliwa Public School, introducing improvements that strengthened the learning environment and supported teachers working in the community.
Fatima was appointed as a teacher under the program, and her salary increased to 10,000 PKR. For her and her family, this change was life-changing.
“The adoption of our school felt like a blessing; it allowed me to continue serving my community while also supporting my family.”
Fatima says.
Fatima became able to provide better support for her younger siblings. One of the proudest moments of her life came when her brother successfully joined the Pakistan Army, achieving a dream that once seemed impossible. For Fatima, this was not only her brother’s success, but it was also the result of years of sacrifice and determination.
Today, Fatima is more than just a teacher. She is a role model for girls in her community who once believed that their ambitions were limited by geography or circumstance. Her journey proves that girls’ education in areas like Gilgit-Baltistan can create powerful change not only for individuals but also for entire families.
