SHANTA | THE WOMEN OF NEPAL | PORTRAITS OF INSPIRATION
Nepal had been on the tippy top of my bucket list for such a long time. The chance to experience and see Everest up close was something really important to me. And what’s funny is, I thought that seeing Everest was going to be the major thing that I took away from this trip but I was completely wrong. Yes, the Himalayas was something really special – the towering snow covered peaks, Ama Dablam, the yaks, the colorful, prayer flag covered bridges that crossed rivers and valley, the dust in the air being kicked up by the heels of our tired feet, the prayer wheels, everything about Nepal was really humbling and special. However, the one thing that really moved me was meeting the women I met through a volunteer program I decided to work with my time in Nepal. I decided to take some portraiture of Nepalese women who had overcome struggling situations through education. Women’s rights is a big topic in the world. Meeting these women was a clear reminder of how lucky we really are. Meeting these women reminded me of how powerful we are women – how our fighting spirit is what pushes us through the most difficult of situations. Thank you to all of these special souls that I got the privilege of interviewing and photographing.
MEET SHANTA.
SHANTA PHUYAL – THE FARMER
Shanta is 34 years old and one of the most successful farmers in her village, Jitpurphedi, Nepal. Her life was completely altered through a farming educational program that was facilitated through the Volunteer Initiative of Nepal.
“In the past, my family tried to stop me from going outside. I was afraid to go to the women’s cooperative. I didn’t know how to convince my family why I wanted to go and spend time there. But you are the very thing that can change your family… Now, my family members stop me from working in the fields and remind me to go to to co-op. Do something, be successful and no one can stop you.”
Shanta 2
Written by Drea Castro Photography by Drea Castro