In Nepal, where feminism is ‘not well perceived’, a library hopes to amplify women’s voices one book at a time
- The library aims to amplify female voices, become a space for feminist ideas and educate women on issues ranging from women’s rights to feminist theories
- In Nepal, where feminism is not ‘well received’, the blurry line between feminist books and books written by women has often limited the understanding of feminism
In the heart of Kathmandu, a small library is aiming to shift mindsets in Nepal – one book at a time.
The library, named Junkiri: The Feminist Library, is shouldering the responsibility of educating girls and women on issues ranging from women’s rights to feminist theories through literature. It is the first of its kind and only such library in Nepal, opened to amplify female voices and become a space supporting feminist ideas, according to Pooja Pant, who started the project.
“We have books for women, by women and about women,” said Pant, a rights activist and documentary filmmaker. “They are extremely progressive in its thoughts and align with feminist theories, which align with equity, equality and breaks stereotypes, and highlight caste and marginalisation that exist in our community.”
Feminism has a long history in Nepal, with women demanding equality for decades.
However, activists said that women’s rights have progressed at a slower pace and largely failed to address issues pertaining to those in the margins.