नेपाल सम्वत् ११४४ कछलागाः ८ (८ मंसिर , २०८१) नोभेम्बर २३, २०२४ , शनिबार, बाँपीझ्याला । Kate Joyce, the Director of Cultural Engagement for South Asia at the British Council, has been instrumental in driving initiatives that foster cultural connections, promote gender equality, and empower communities in South Asia. In her interview with The Himalayan Times, Joyce reflects on her journey with the Women of the World (WOW) Festival, a platform known for championing gender equality. Inspired by a powerful experience with WOW in London, Joyce saw the festival’s potential to address the complex gender issues in South Asia, where barriers like low female labor participation and education gaps persist. Since partnering with WOW in 2017, the British Council has extended the festival to countries including Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, positively impacting millions and supporting over a thousand women-led arts organizations.
Joyce highlights the unique challenges in Nepal, where cultural norms shape the landscape of gender equality. This year’s WOW Festival in Kathmandu, developed in partnership with local bodies like Kathmandu Metropolitan City, focuses on inclusivity and accessibility, incorporating sign language interpretation and dual-language captions. The festival aims to engage diverse communities, showcasing the country’s rich cultural landscape.
On the topic of career guidance for young women facing societal expectations, Joyce encourages them to pursue their passions while educating their families about the viability of non-traditional careers, particularly in the growing creative industries. WOW Festivals, she notes, offer mentorship opportunities that can help young women explore such paths.
Discussing the British Council’s approach to cultural engagement, Joyce emphasizes the importance of working with local organizations to ensure cultural sensitivity and lasting impact. She believes that addressing gender equality requires a context-specific approach, and that platforms like WOW serve as vital spaces for open dialogue and challenging stereotypes.
In education, Joyce underscores that early foundational skills, vocational training, and improved teacher support are essential for Nepal’s educational progress. Despite challenges like the 2015 earthquake and COVID-19, initiatives in multilingual education and modernized assessments are beginning to yield results.
To understand her vision, Joyce shares three books that inspire her: Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo, which celebrates diverse perspectives; We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, advocating for gender equality; and Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls, a book she often reads with her children, promoting empowerment through stories of extraordinary women. Through her work, Joyce is committed to building inclusive communities and inspiring transformative change across South Asia.
