Photo essay by Sujoy Das
How can a woman, unwelcome at birth, raised according to the dictates of traditional values, and always regarded as the property of another, ever be a real partner in development? Prativa Subedi's Women's Awareness Center Nepal (WACN) is helping Nepali women seek out an answer.
WACN helps women develop their potential, gain self-confidence, and step into the public sphere as active members of society. It fights social, cultural, legislative, and all other forms of discrimination against women.
At the same time, WACN helps women initiate improvements for their communities – from sustainable agriculture, tree plantations, and health care services to income-generation and money-saving programs. By claiming their power as citizens and learning how to engage in sustainable, productive activities, women are raising living standards in Nepal and building a stronger civil society. Through these activities, WACN is realizing its vision of a just and equal society by reawakening women's inherent power.
