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Photos by Kiran Ambwani

Lives of the Mountain Women of Jumla, Nepal

Jumla is a beautiful remote mountain district of Nepal where culture has remained untouched by modern day civilization. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most excluded regions of the country, with limited access to basic amenities like education, food, healthcare, land and basic human rights. Here in the midst of western Nepal's stark beauty, cultural heritage and diversity, there is a grinding, hopeless poverty and dependence. The ones who suffer most are the women because of their prescribed roles, subjugation, illiteracy and the absence of state health services and outreach in the district. Despite some efforts to address gender issues and improve women's basic needs, Jumla women are still among the poorest and the most marginalized in Nepal. Indigenous women and women from low caste groups (Dalit) have even less access to education, healthcare, employment and political power. In these mountain regions of Nepal, poverty, political conflict, insufficient infrastructure, few economic opportunities, high vulnerability to natural hazards, degradation of the ecosystem, and the migration of men for work all have a heavy impact on the lives of the women of Jumla.

It is encouraging to note that teachers, health care workers, healers, human rights activists, community leaders, reporters and managers of women's cooperatives are conduits of social change. These inspirational women are the future of a "new Nepal", as it emerges from 11 years of conflict and decades of monarchy, offering hope of dignity, equality, wealth distribution, and access to basic resources. Achieving gender equality and empowering women is of utmost necessity for building healthier, better educated, more peaceful and prosperous societies.

Basket Girl - Photo by Kiran Ambwani
 

Bhulbule Schoolgirl - Photo by Kiran Ambwani
 

Chillum - Photo by Kiran Ambwani
 

Field - Photo by Kiran Ambwani
 
Jhyari Woman - Photo by Kiran Ambwani
 
Jhyari Women - Photo by Kiran Ambwani
 
Mother and Daughter - Photo by Kiran Ambwani
 
Patmara - Photo by Kiran Ambwani
 

Patmara School Girl - Photo by Kiran Ambwani
 
Patmara School Teacher - Photo by Kiran Ambwani
 

Shepard Girl - Photo by Kiran Ambwani
 
Urthu Woman - Photo by Kiran Ambwani
 

Walnut Oil - Photo by Kiran Ambwani
 
Two Women at Rara Lake - Photo by Kiran Ambwani
 
 
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