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Chronicles of Courage, Wisdom, and Tradition
Name:- Sharmila Lama
Boudhha, Kathmandu
I was born on the 11th of December 1990 in Bhimkhori, Kavre Palanchowk. I am the 1st woman from my village and district to have undertaken the Everest expedition. I am a responsible and loving mother of an eight-year-old son. I have climbed many 6000+ meter peaks and have been involved in the sector of trekking and climbing since 2011. I refuse to migrate to a foreign country for work because I believe, with determination and a vision, I can make a decent living and bring about positive changes in my own country. I am working towards my vision and plan to empower women from remote villages to generate income by being a part of the tourism sector as working as a guide, much like my initial days. Furthermore, they could also dabble in homestay services and small cottage industries to provide to be self-reliant economically and otherwise. This will keep them from seeking foreign employment and give them opportunity to live with their own family instead of struggling and suffering abroad. Women will not need to go to a foreign country for employment and risk their safety if we can create job opportunities for them here in our country.
I want to relay the message of innumerable possibilities beautifully tied in with the concept of empowerment of my people residing in and around the world’s highest peaks.
To be one of the Nepali Indigenous women to climb all of the world’s 8000m peaks with the slogan: A Climb for A Cause: Stop Human Trafficking!
I am Sharmila Lama Tamang from the district of Kavre, Palanchowk, situated in mid hills of Nepal. I belong to Tamang ethnicity, a Himalayan indigenous group that is historically destitute due to discrimination that prevailed at the state level. Many young women from my community have migrated abroad as migrant workers, some of them are illegal immigrants too. Sadly, this is due to the lack of priority given to women’s education and lack of job opportunities in their home country. It is also a result of poverty and isolation by the government policies that hinder their growth and development, leaving them crippled instead of empowering them to develop their own community and nation. Like every other woman, I too have endless desires and dreams amongst which the most prominent one is my wish to become a good role model in this society. Although my parents did their best in aiding me by financially supporting my education, I struggled for further education and was unable to go much further than higher secondary due to financial issues. Being born as a daughter in an ethnic minority group, I faced grave challenges and restrictions regarding what I can and cannot do dictated by the cultural norms and societal rules.
Mhendola Fole Foundation, a dynamic initiative, has been weaving the vibrant tapestry of Tamang culture, identity, and heritage through its compelling television programs. From broadcasting historical festivals to illuminating the achievements of the Tamang community, Mhendola Fole stands as a beacon for cultural preservation and community engagement. Explore our diverse programs, delve into the richness of Tamang history, and join us in our mission to nurture and showcase the vibrant spirit of the Tamang community.
