At a time when voices to stop violence against women in Nepal is resonating throughout the country, I have managed to capture innocent faces of the rural women of Nepal busy with their day to day chores. These photos are taken particularly on Lok Highway (formerly Mahendra Highway) as you travel outwards from Kathmandu valley towards Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha.
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Women in rural Nepal commute for miles in groups to collect grass, leaves and wood for domestic purposes.
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In their journey from village to forest these women maneuver their way through the busy highway. The journey takes up the better part of their day.
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The women carry traditional Nepali basket (Doko) to gather their keeps.
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After the long walk along the higway the uphill journey towards the forest begins as they slowly disappear from sight.
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At Khani Khola, Dhading women stepped out of their houses to protest at the local police station demanding justice for a nine-years-old girl who was raped by a 15-years-old boy.
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Local women rights activist Buddhi Rana Magar addressing the women of Khani khola VDC, asking them to unite to stop violence against women. The juvenile culprit had been taken to the district police station a week ago, however no progress has been made on the case.
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One can locate some of the womenfolk generating meagre income by selling sugarcanes along the highway. They purchase these sweet sticks from villages on the hills at Rs. 25 per stick and sell it for Rs. 40.
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Sangita Tamang sells sugarcanes on the highway at Saat-Killa as her husband works in a nearby construction site on the river banks. The income put together is enough to educate and feed their three children.
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A peaceful rally voicing an end to violence against women marching towards
Narayanghat from
Gaindakot.
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The rally comprised of various women right groups of Nawalparasi district.
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Sita Pandey, one of the various Supervisors of road maintenance at Lok Highway, taking a break from her work. She was supervising a team of men who were fixing the road side drainage.
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The three ladies on their way to Chormara Bazaar with heaps of grass to feed their goats. The 10 miles long journey from their village to the jungle and back takes them four hours.
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The women from Dolpa on prilgrimage at Mayadevi Temple, Lumbini. The temple marks the exact spot of Lord Buddha's birth and is named after his mother.
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Subhawati Pal, resident of Madhubani VDC, weaving a pen holder as she awaits customers near the Shanti Deep (fire symbolising peace) at Lumbini. Weaving baskets has been her family tradition. Also being trained in the craft, she makes baskets with modern designs which are valued at Rs. 400.
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A woman at Bhairabsthan temple, Palpa preparing a special offering called Rot made of rice flour, sugar, ghee and condiments. Devotees purchase this special offering to please Lord Bhairab at Rs. 150 per piece.
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Young girls feel free and independent as they ride their bicycles in Parsa. Bicycles are the popular medium of transport in the Terai region for men and women alike.
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A woman walking behind her goats. The herd is marching to feed on sweet grass of the forest.
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A woman dexterously weaving colourful woolen decorative items popularly hung in the buses and trucks.
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You and I. Our love and support has grown over the years. Your encouragement keeps me moving and I will be your strength in your fight against the tormentors.
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Womenfolk are involved in variety of work apart from the traditional domesticated roles. They give back to the society and economy in every possible way. They have earned their respect. It is high time we acknowledge their efforts. The gender discrimination and violence needs to be eradicated for a happy society. Impunity must end!
