Manmaya B.K.
Manmaya is a Dalit woman with a disability. Her involvement in a local organization of persons with disabilities from the Chitwan district in Bagmati province has strengthened her leadership. Alongside advocacy work, she runs a tailoring shop and employs other women with disabilities in her business.
She shares that, although rarely spoken about, discrimination based on her caste and disability silently delays her advocacy work.
“The river changed its course due to flood and cut through the agricultural land. This disrupted the usual path that the locals used. Locals now use alternative route which I think is unsafe, particularly for women with disabilities who face increased risk of violence. I only use it if I have someone to walk with.”
“On a personal note, it affected my education. Due to climate change-induced floods in my area, I could not go to school as it blocked my way to school. That is why I could not study much either. […] We had to constantly move places due to floods.”
“This remote part of my village lacks water access. The heavy rain and long dry periods both disrupt regular water supply. A black pipe, (as you may see lying on the ground) installed for water supply is now blocked. And women with disabilities find it hard to walk to local taps, affecting their daily routines.”
“Through Photovoice, I could share the struggles and hopes without words. It gives a voice I never knew was possible.”
