Digital Photography Giving Voice to Nepal's Dalits

From: OneWorld US

by Thomas Phillips and Ida Wahlstrom

WASHINGTON, Mar 2 (OneWorld.net) - Thirteen members of the historically marginalized Dalit community in Nepal are harnessing the power of digital media to document their people's struggles and work for social justice.

The photographers include "teachers, students, soap opera stars, activists, and journalists who want to show the world the inequality and need for social change in their country," writes the Washington-based Advocacy Project, a human rights organization fostering social change around the world.

The Clean Hands Project was founded by Jes Therkelsen, an Advocacy Project volunteer in Nepal that provided digital media training to the 13 photographers, who are also involved with the Nepalese Jagaran Media Center, an awareness-raising initiative founded by Dalit journalists in 2000.

The collection of photographs, many of which feature Dalit community members in their daily lives, is one of numerous calls for equality unleashed since democracy first took hold in Nepal in 1990.

Traditionally barred from all but the most menial jobs, the "untouchable" Dalit caste has historically endured discrimination, social stigma, and extreme poverty at every turn. 

However, following the collapse of the monarchy and the 2008 formation of an elected government, Dalit activists have seized upon new opportunities -- including greater freedom of expression and the rise of private media -- to demand that their interests are heard and protected, according to the Clean Hands Project Web site, where you can read more about the photographers and see their work.

The following video features the photographers, Therkelsen, and their colleagues in action, developing their skills, capturing images, and discussing their involvement in the Clean Hands Project.