Nari Gunjan: Photographer sensitively documents female empowerment in India

Nari Gunjan, known as Women's Voice, was established in 1987 by Sudha Varghese and has since helped thousands of underprivileged girls and young women from the Musahar caste in Bihar, India, more regularly known as "the untouchables".

British photojournalist Emily Garthwaite has documented this fine cause in a new series of images, celebrating the essential work of the cause. She explains: "Nari Gunjan's main focus is to access the rights of marginalised young girls and women from the Dalit community, in particular, the Musahar caste. The Dalit community plays a large role in the rise of dowry, illiteracy, malnutrition, sexual harassment and female mortality.

"Organisations like Nari Gunjan believe that education holds the key for economic, social, cultural and political change. The response to their work in the state of Bihar has been described as a silent revolution by Human Rights Watch."

Based in London, Emily has a Masters in Photojournalism and Documentary Photography from the University of Westminster. Her work has been featured internationally as well as her photograph "Chain to Tradition" being selected as a Finalist for Wildlife Photojournalist of The Year.

Emily's clients include The Independent, Moroccan Tourist Board and Suitcase Magazine. She is a trustee of David Iduwu Foundation and a member of the Women for Women youth leadership circle. Discover more at www.emilygarthwaite.com, or follow Emily on Instagram.

Via Creative Boom submission | All images courtesy of Emily Garthwaite

Share

Editor's Picks

Further Reading

Get the best of Creative Boom delivered to your inbox weekly