Manjula Devi Maithil Bahun

Nepal

Year(s) attended: 2009, 2010

Janakpur Women’s Development Center (ATA)

Painting on Handmade Paper

In the village of Janakpur in eastern Nepal, near the border with India, the Janakpur Women’s Development Center began with the purpose of empowering women through the practice of their traditional art.  Women of the Maithili culture traditionally painted designs on the outside walls of their homes, but now have begun painting the same images on handmade paper.  While some male members of the community first criticized the women when they began to paint, the women are now lauded for their courage and ability.  The Center employs 50 women and has brought income to many families in the Janakpur area.