KATHMANDU, AUGUST 27

The Global Inclusive Adventure Organization (GIA) unveiled the documentary "Girls Rewriting Destiny," aiming to champion the role of women as future mountain guides in Nepal, especially at a time when many youths are seeking opportunities abroad.

The 35-minute documentary, directed by Lawa Pyakurel, explores the realities of education, women's empowerment, and environmental issues, with a particular focus on Sindhupalchowk district in Nepal.

Maya Gurung, the central figure of the documentary, mentioned that after climbing Mt. Everest in 2008 and completing the mission of summiting all seven peaks worldwide by 2014, the massive earthquake in 2015 opened her eyes to the hidden highest peak in her own Sindhupalchowk district.

With the aim of integrating local communities into mountain tourism, we summited Jugal Himal in 2017, and 2019 crossed Tilman Pass in 2020, and reached the peak of Gangala Chuli in 2024, all while leading a team of 37 aspiring women mountaineers.

Saraswati Tamang, one of the climbers who reached the peak of Ghanja-La Chuli (5,844 metre), shared her struggle with the harsh realities of life in her village, where opportunities were scarce.

After finishing secondary school, financial constraints left her hopeless, even contemplating suicide at 14. She had heard of Maya Gurung, the mountaineer, and meeting her in Kathmandu felt like "finding a god while searching for a stone." Now, she sees renewed possibilities and hope in life.

Similarly, Man Maya Tamang shared that after completing several training programs offered by the GIA organization, she now sees numerous possibilities in life, such as pursuing careers in mountain guiding, rafting, trekking, and rescue work. She reflected on how her life was once confined to limited activities like melapat, parma (voluntary work), gathering fodder, and caring for animals.

As the documentary progresses, Sangita Bishwakarma, a member of the Gangala Chuli ascent team, reveals the ongoing prevalence of the caste system in Nepali society, with its distinctions between "touchable" and "untouchable."

She even questions the paradox of the trident carried by Lord Shiva, made by Dalits, yet they are not allowed to enter the temples where it is kept. "Why are we treated as less than human?" she asks. Despite this, she remains determined to fight for justice and make significant contributions to mountaineering.

Maya Gurung shared that they are not only training women to become future mountain guides but also raising awareness about the severe impact of climate change on Nepal's mountains. "The glaciers are shrinking, cracks are appearing, and dry landslides occur even outside the rainy season. Sindhupalchowk has experienced numerous recent disasters due to climate change. Our objective is to make people aware of these impacts," Gurung explained.

After the expedition, Archana Acharya remarked, "This expedition/training has done a remarkable job in exposing my life to countless possibilities. I was once living in the 'kopcho' of a remote mountain village in Nepal."

At the documentary screening, director Lawa Pyakurel said, "From the beginning of the campaign, I recognized its importance. I wanted to convey their message to a broader, frustrated audience, especially women, to show them the hope of building their lives in Nepal."

Director Lawa Pyakurel (right) with mountaineer Maya Gurung. Photo: THT

Gracing the event, Ait Bahadur Tamang, Mayor of Melamchi Municipality-recently affected by disasters-congratulated the entire team and assured future support from the municipality for similar campaigns.

On the occasion, Indira Rana, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, congratulated the team. Similarly, senior journalist Kanak Mani Dixit urged stakeholders to present our mountains in a way that attracts tourists from around the globe.

In her concluding remarks, Maya Gurung urged young women aspiring to mountaineering to dream big, think expansively, and remain positive even in challenging times.

"As a mountaineer, I aspire to establish a dedicated Mountaineering University in Nepal," Gurung said with a broad smile.

Lawa Pyakurel, director of the documentary, said, "We will take it to film festivals around the world to inspire women and show them hope in every regard."

All photos captured during the event are provided by the organizer.