Very few girls in our country get to work “in the wild”, but I did get an opportunity to involve in a Snow Leopard monitoring project in Shey-Phoksundo National Park, Dolpa. It was organised by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation in collaboration with World Wildlife Fund, and I have learnt so much from this journey.

Many people think that this kind of work is too challenging for a woman. And challenging it is! But I believe it is as hard for a man as it is for a woman. But in spite of the hardships, there are some invaluable things “in the wild”. The environment is so overwhelming: the air is fresh, the sky is clean, and the peacefulness of the surroundings brings you inner peace of mind, to the point where the negativity doesn’t affect you.

One of the thrilling experiences was walking not only off road but along steep cliffs and ridgelines. At first I felt very dizzy looking down and had to slow down my pace. But after a while, I lost that fear completely and even started to enjoy walking on the ridgelines.

I am convinced that a major source of motivation to stand strong in moments like these was what I learnt at the Vipassana Meditation Centre - Anichhya, or the lesson of impermanence. Though we are going through pleasant or unpleasant moments, we should keep in mind that everything is Anichiyaa. So our mind should always remain equanimous.

This lesson really helped me when I was walking uphill, or when we had to walk 12 hours a day for a few days in a row. I would tell myself: “If I keep walking, even very small steps, I will not remain in the same place.” I found this thought very practical. Whenever I saw a steep hill or mountain, I would think: “Okay! It needs to be crossed, so start walking and keep going.”

Another source of motivation during this expedition was my supportive colleagues, especially the men. When I was in the field with my fellow citizen scientists, I found them to be very attentive and supportive towards me and other colleagues.

From this, I understood that to support and respect women, no deep knowledge of gender equity and social inclusion (GESI) is required. Ultimately, it’s about humanity, humility and kindness. From this journey, one thing I can state with confidence is that instead of underestimating us, women, give us the opportunities, be supportive, and we will pay you back with success.