Challenging stereotypes and amplifying women’s voices through Wedu’s ISA

Sushmita Bogati is a freelance photographer and an aspiring filmmaker from Dharan, Sunsari, Eastern Nepal. With the help of Wedu’s Income Sharing Agreement  (ISA)— an educational funding programme, she is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Media Studies at Kathmandu University. Through this innovative funding model, Sushmita is accessing the education and opportunities needed to sharpen her skills as a photographer and an aspiring filmmaker.

For Sushmita, photography and filmmaking are not just technical skills; they serve as platforms for representation that challenge gender barriers and societal norms. Her work focuses on women’s stories and personal experiences, bringing life to the often-overlooked people in society. Her mission is to uplift the voices of those who have been silenced, highlighting their narratives in Nepal’s storytelling spaces.

Pursuing a Dream Against All Odds

Sushmita has long harboured a passion for storytelling. Growing up in a male-dominated society where women’s narratives often go unheard, she found a unique way to express her voice through the lens of a camera.

Her love for visual storytelling began in childhood. “I vividly remember the first time I encountered a camera—a small golden box my father used to photograph the neighbourhood kids. I was fascinated by how such a tiny object could capture entire moments,” she recalls. Her curiosity grew stronger in sixth grade when her science teacher introduced her to photography. Encouraged by hands-on experiences, she became her school’s unofficial photographer.

However, Sushmita’s journey was not without challenges. In 2018, she lost her father, and her family faced significant financial hardships. Sushmita shares:

“Growing up in a working-level middle-class family, I witnessed my father’s firsthand dedication and tireless efforts to meet our basic needs. I am lucky to have a family who believes in me to pursue my passion. After my father passed away, my mother took on the role of the family breadwinner. After spending 25 years of her life as a homemaker, at the age of 51, my mother took on a very different role, securing the family’s finances by selling roti.

Despite these difficulties, Sushmita was determined to pursue her dreams. With her family’s encouragement, she secured admission to Kathmandu University in 2022 but faced another hurdle: funding her education.

Telling Stories of Change Through Wedu’s ISA

Sushmita discovered Wedu’s ISA programme through her sister’s friend. Although sceptical at first, she applied, motivated by her drive to overcome financial constraints and achieve her dreams. Despite an initial rejection, she persisted, reapplying and eventually securing the funding needed to continue her studies.

With Wedu’s ISA, Sushmita could access education and opportunities to sharpen her filmmaking skills. This support enabled her to pursue projects that reflect her dedication to uplifting marginalised voices. One of her notable works highlighted the lives of women carpet weavers, showcasing their resilience and artistic contribution to cultural heritage. The labour-intensive craft of weaving, that is deeply tied to cultural traditions, often goes unnoticed. The project allowed Sushmita to explore the intersection of gender, labour, and heritage while amplifying the resilience and creativity of these women.

She also participated in a photography residency where she documented female musicians breaking societal norms. Here Sushmita documented how music brought joy and courage into the musicians’ lives, capturing their happiness by doing music as a career. These experiences deepened her understanding of storytelling as a powerful tool to challenge stereotypes and foster inclusion.

Sushmita believes that leadership is not about positions but about actions that inspire change. Her creative projects, such as the photo story The Melodic Muses, reflect her commitment to addressing societal norms and elevating women’s stories.

Storytelling has the power to challenge societal norms and amplify the voices of those who have been silenced for too long.

The ISA programme has helped her bridge the financial gap and given her the confidence to continue pursuing her dreams.

Shaping the Future of Media

Nepal’s filmmaking industry has traditionally been led by men, with few opportunities for women to thrive in leadership roles. However, the landscape is changing as more women like Sushmita enter the field. Through initiatives like workshops and fellowships, women are finding their voices and contributing to a more inclusive industry.

Sushmita envisions a future where women are celebrated as leaders and changemakers in media. “I’m still carving my path, but I see hope in the progress we’re making,” she shares.

With every story she tells, Sushmita is bridging the gender leadership gap and reshaping the narrative of what it means to be a leader in Nepal’s media industry. By turning challenges into opportunities and nurturing her dreams with the support of Wedu’s ISA, she is proving that resilience, equity, and inclusion can redefine the future—one frame at a time.