LALITPUR, Sept 19: The struggles and journeys of 13 women leaders involved in Nepal’s social movements have been brought together in a new research book, Shared Dreams Woven by Struggle, launched in Lalitpur on Friday.
Published by Voices of Women Media, the book documents women who challenged discrimination, organized communities and fought for rights, dignity and social justice, according to a press release. Through their personal stories, it traces social movements that have shaped Nepali society while highlighting women’s often-overlooked contributions.
Among the stories is that of Umadevi Badi and her struggle for land, rights and dignity through the movement for the rights of the Badi community. The book also documents the journey of Muskan Khatun, who survived an acid attack and continued her fight for justice and dignity.
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It also revisits the Sino Bahishkar Movement, which the press release said has gradually faded from public memory. The experiences of Mahari Devi, Bhola Devi and Chandeshwori Sada offer glimpses of women who challenged caste-based discrimination and fought for equality and dignity.
Speaking at the launch, chief guest Sunita Dangol, Acting Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, said documenting such histories was an important part of the struggle for women’s rights.
“The launching of this book is another milestone for the women’s rights movement, and it is amazing to see how these stories have now been scripted,” Dangol said, according to the press release. She said documenting such experiences was a way of establishing women’s own narratives in a society where their struggles and voices are repeatedly questioned.
The book highlights how many rights and social changes taken for granted today emerged from struggles by people who organized and resisted despite discrimination, exclusion and violence, the press release said.
A panel discussion titled “Women Leaders and Social Movements: Reflections and Practices” followed the launch, bringing together activists, academics, researchers and representatives from different fields.
Moderated by Women, Peace and Security expert Hemlata Rai, the panel included disability rights advocate Muna Shakya, Member of the Federal Parliament of Nepal Parbati B.K., writer, researcher and digital rights activist Rita Baramu, and Jamuna Siwakoti, Head of the Central Department of Gender Studies at Tribhuvan University.
The discussion focused on women’s leadership, representation, social justice, dignity and collective action, while reflecting on how lessons from earlier movements can inform contemporary struggles for equality and inclusion, according to the press release.
The book seeks to preserve histories at risk of being forgotten and give women’s experiences a more visible place in the broader history of Nepal’s social movements, the press release said.
