Photo: Sushila Tamang
July 27, Kathmandu
Seven children’s books promoting gender equality, inclusion and the voices of marginalised communities were launched in Kathmandu on Sunday under the British Council’s Gender Arts: Equal Together 2025 programme.
The books were unveiled at the Nepal Academy of Fine Arts in Naxal by educationist Kedar Bhakta Mathema, veteran children’s writer Ganga Karmacharya, former Nepal Academy of Fine Arts Chancellor K K Karmacharya, children’s literature critic Pramod Pradhan, rights activist Gauri Nepali and the authors.
Published as part of the Aparajita Story Project, coordinated by journalist Sushila Tamang, the titles include Aitiko Bihe by Tamang, Namko Katha by Bina Thing, Indreni by Hansawati Kurmi, Mitini by Shanti Sapkota, Mummyghar by Sanjog Thakuri, Haitamako Himmat by Asmita Badi and Surjiko Ujyalo by Sangita Uranw. The project was supported by the Centre for Children’s Literature and Research and Hami Dajubhai.
The project aims to use children’s literature to encourage girls’ empowerment, gender equality and social inclusion by highlighting the lived experiences of communities often absent from mainstream narratives. Rather than portraying marginalised groups as objects of sympathy, the stories emphasise their resilience, identities and cultural heritage.
Speaking at the event, Mathema stressed the importance of encouraging children to read books of varying complexity to broaden their intellectual horizons. Project coordinator Tamang said children’s literature should increasingly reflect diverse social realities and community experiences, while reviewer Gauri Nepali noted that the books depart from traditional moralistic storytelling by presenting realistic accounts that challenge patriarchal and discriminatory social norms.
Speakers, including children’s literature experts, authors, illustrators and British Council representatives, said the collection could make a meaningful contribution to Nepal’s children’s literature by fostering diversity, equality and inclusion through storytelling.
