From Fields to Flight

In a world ruled by patriarchy, one girl from India’s hinterlands finds the courage to challenge gender norms to achieve her dream of becoming a drone pilot. In rural Uttar Pradesh, where caste and patriarchy often dictate a girl’s future, Babita’s life seemed destined for early marriage and domestic duty. Born into a Dalit family and forced to shoulder responsibilities after her mother’s death, she gave up dreams of college to care for her home. A turning point came when with the support of a women's self help group, she began training to be a drone pilot to help with farming. As her district’s first certified female drone pilot, Babita transforms skepticism into pride, inspiring young women to delay early marriage and pursue financial independence.