Beyond Books: International Women’s Day
Today, on International Women’s Day, we take a moment to reflect on the role of libraries – not just as places of books and learning, but as safe spaces where knowledge is shared, wisdom is passed on, and communities are strengthened. The Sapana Library was built out of the dream to foster education, encourage reading, and create a shared learning space for the people of Khoramukh in Nepal. But beyond that, we hoped it would become a space for empowerment and support, particularly for women.
Gender equality in Nepal still faces many challenges. Women continue to struggle against deeply ingrained societal norms, gender-based violence, and limited access to education. Literacy rates among women remain lower than those of men, and many opportunities for professional and personal growth still seem out of reach. However, small steps towards change can lead to bigger transformations – and we believe the Sapana Library is one such step.
A key moment in our journey was when we decided to employ two part-time female librarians. The idea of job-sharing was unfamiliar and, at first, met with skepticism – even from some of our own Nepali project members. In Nepal, full-time jobs are the standard, sometimes requiring employees to work seven days a week. Yet we stood by our belief that this approach could be empowering and beneficial. It would allow these women – both mothers – to earn an income, contribute to their community, and have time for their families. This challenged the local’s notion that work must be all or nothing. But we dare say today, that it’s a success story for everyone involved.
The project’s work just marks the beginning, because it is now in the hands of the local people to bring the dream to life and make the Sapana library a place where women can come together – not just to read, but to share, to support, and to grow. A space where knowledge is not only found in books but in the voices of those who gather here. Whether it’s children doing their homework, mothers exchanging wisdom, or young women finding encouragement in stories.
On this International Women’s Day, we celebrate the power of spaces like these. Ones that uplift, that offer knowledge and safety, and that recognize the strength in sharing – not just books, but stories, experiences, and wisdom. There is still a long way to go in the journey towards gender equality, but every step counts.
Thank you to the women of Khoramukh, to the mothers, daughters, sisters, librarians and teachers. May the library continue to be a place of learning, gathering and support, and a place that you in turn want to protect and preserve.
