Like a Rising River Exhibition Amplifies Women's Voices and Inspires Social Change in Banepa

From 2 to 4 June 2026, the Like a Rising River: Stories of Women and Change exhibition transformed Banepa into a vibrant space for dialogue, storytelling, and reflection on gender equality and social inclusion.  Organized by Srijanalaya, the exhibition featured stories of women from our  Hamro Sahakarya intaiative thoughtfully transformed into powerful works of art. By working closely with each story, Srijanalaya gave these lived experiences the depth, dignity, and visibility they truly deserve, creating a space where visitors could connect with women's journeys of resilience, leadership, and change.

As part of the Hamro Sahakarya Project, jointly implemented by the Center for Dalit Women Nepal (CDWN) and Nepal Dalit Sewa Samaj (NDSS) with support from UN Women Nepal and the Government of Finland, the exhibition highlighted the role of art and storytelling in advancing women's leadership and promoting gender equality.

A major highlight was the community theatre performance developed through the project, which addressed gender-based violence, dowry practices, caste-based discrimination, and other harmful social norms. The performance reached more than 1,000 school students, creating opportunities for young audiences to reflect on equality and discuss ways to prevent harmful practices.

The opening ceremony featured an original song, "Nari ko Nara," performed by women from the project's self-help groups (SHGs), followed by powerful stories shared by elected Dalit representative Pipla Maya Sarki and SHG members. A panel discussion with local government representatives, community leaders, artists, and human rights advocates emphasized the importance of listening to women's experiences, challenging gender and caste barriers, and creating more inclusive communities.

Throughout the exhibition, SHG members actively coordinated event logistics, managed exhibition stalls, engaged with visitors, and promoted messages on gender equality, women's leadership, and environmental stewardship. These responsibilities strengthened their communication, coordination, networking, and leadership skills while increasing the visibility of women-led community initiatives.

The exhibition created meaningful dialogue among students, community members, government officials, and development partners, demonstrating how art and storytelling can inspire collective action for a more equal and inclusive society.

CDWN extends its sincere appreciation to Srijanalaya, UN Women Nepal, the Government of Finland, local governments, community members, artists, and everyone who visited and contributed to making the exhibition a memorable and impactful experience.

Pictures from the event