Wiebke Pandikow / One Yes

Sculpture / tactile jewelry / necklace
Plastic bags, wood, string woven together with Khageswari using embroidery thread
Coiling technique for basket weaving

Sometimes, we just need that one 'Yes' among hundreds of 'No's” was one sentence in the first version of Khageshwaris text in which she tells her story, that I found very touching. To connect two lives, two worlds and also ones expectations with reality is not easy, as every immigrant knows. She was given a chance, which is very important to be able to continue a journey like this also in moments when everything feels difficult and confusing.

Khageshwari Bohara 

My Second World 

I am Khageshwari Bohara, from Nepal, a strong believer of equality, which to me means having an equal access to opportunities, resources, and equal rights regardless of gender, sex, caste, culture, and economic background. For example, I refuse to accept society's view of me as a second-class citizen simply because I am a woman. As a child, I witnessed girls being treated as burdens to their families and denied equal opportunities, resources, and freedom compared to male family members. This instilled in me an innate desire to advocate equality in societies, irrespective of the basis on which inequality occurs.  

To translate my imagination of a just society into a reality, to the extent that I could, I worked for marginalized communities over a decade of my professional career until October 2022. On October 19th, I was granted a spouse visa to Finland, just nine days after I started working on a long-term project with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). It was a moment of mixed emotions – on one hand the joy of reuniting with my husband, and on the other, reluctance to leave behind my dream job and career. After numerous heartfelt conversations with my husband about our careers, family, and love, love emerged victorious. I packed not only my clothes but also my high hopes, dreams, and passion for effecting impactful change, and set forth towards my second world – Finland, “the happiest country in the world!' 

Upon landing, I was greeted by a landscape blanketed in snow, its pristine beauty welcoming me with open arms. Despite being from Nepal, home to the world's highest peak Mount Everest, the sight of snow filled me with excitement.  

The initial weeks in Finland were idyllic – good wine, a cozy home, and the company of my beloved husband made life feel vibrant. However, as the cold, dark winters persisted and my husband went off to work, I found myself wrestling with loneliness. Determined to find purpose, I began applying for jobs. Despite possessing extensive experience in emergency response, sustainable development, gender equality, and various other domains, rejection became a recurring theme. I applied via online portals, sent direct emails, and called up many organizations but didn't get any positive response. I applied to over 200 positions, and each rejection eroded my confidence and self-esteem. 

Every day felt like an uphill battle, compounded by the gloomy winter and language barriers. I started feeling mental stress and symptoms hit my body. I felt pain in many parts of my body, mainly in my chest. Though it took just around 6 months for my integration program start, it felt like 6 years to me as I was sitting at home doing nothing. Now I started learning the Finnish language which occupied a part of my days, but I wanted to do a job, be in the field, do something impactful. 

The only hope I had, to find something that I desired to do, was a 'social worker license'. However, after four months of painstaking effort, my application was rejected, plunging me into despair. I found myself at a crossroads again. I was unable to do anything for next couple of days. 

Through all those challenges, I still had hope that this will be over. Then one day I just happened to register for Väestöliitto's mentoring program. This was where I met Paula, my mentor, who would soon become my friend, guide, and source of motivation. With Paula's assistance, I refined my CV, honed my cover letters, and renavigated the job application process. I kept on applying. 

I had also been doing volunteering through Red Cross, where I met many people who shared similar stories of hope, dreams, feeling low at times, and rising again. Though everyday was tough for me, I kept pushing myself with the help of my lovely husband and Paula. Learning Finnish wasn't easy, but I was so determined to learn, so I did. 

Finally, one fine day while I was doing an internship in Koivupirtti, a wonderful organization full of wonderful people, I got a reply from the city of Helsinki saying, 'I am not eligible for the position I applied for, since that position needs Finnish language skills'. Responding in Finnish, I expressed my interest in the position once more. Subsequently, I was granted an interview and eventually offered the role. Three weeks later, I was also chosen to be an International Aid Worker at the Finnish Red Cross. 

Though my time in Finland has been brief, it already feels like a second home to me. Despite encountering challenges, the overwhelming support, encouragement, and love I have received here overshadow any negativity. With newfound optimism, I eagerly anticipate embarking on my dream job in Finland soon. 

Sometimes, we just need that one 'Yes' among hundreds of 'No's’. And we should never lose hope.