WIA is proud to announce our affiliate partnership with WIA Nepal, our first affiliate in South Asia!
As an affiliate, WIA Nepal will further our shared goals of advocating for gender equity in animation, VFX, and gaming around the world. Their current focus is on helping young Nepali women and their families understand that there are viable career opportunities in animation and to help those same women get into the industry by providing education scholarships.
“We are excited to partner with WIA, an inspiring leader in advocacy for women in animation,” said filmmaker and WIA Nepal Board President Sampada Malla. “The animation community in Nepal is small but growing. By pushing for gender equity and giving women educational opportunities and support, we can make sure the Nepali animation industry is 50/50 from the beginning.”
WIA Nepal was initiated by Incessant Rain Founder/co-CEO Kiran Bhakta Joshi and co-CEO Deepa Chipalu Joshi in Kathmandu. The studio is providing crucial financial and development sponsorship of the affiliate.
Deepa Chipalu Joshi said in an interview with Nepali Times that through the partnership, WIA Nepal will engage in advocacy, mentorship, and education in Nepal. “We want to show that there are great career options for women in animation, she said.”
The WIA Nepal Board of Directors is comprised of:
- Ms. Sampada Malla- President
- Ms. Shrijana Shrestha – Treasurer
- Ms. Babita Giri
- Ms. Sanchita Lama
- Mr. Prabhakar Maharjan
“This partnership is an example of how, together, we can advocate for gender equity to be built into the foundation of growing animation industries across the world,” said Marge Dean, President of WIA. “I’m excited to see the positive outcomes of this partnership not only for the women and nonbinary creatives of Nepal, but for our industry as a whole.”
ABOUT WIA NEPAL
WIA Nepal strives to create opportunities for women that enable them to lead lives of dignity and independence. The mission of WIA Nepal is to improve participation of women in the animation and visual effects industry. WIA Nepal advocates for education, engagement, and employment of women in the animation and visual effects industry in Nepal. It also offers a global platform that empowers and uplifts people that are underrepresented and marginalized. The global platform offers opportunities, support, and resources to help artists and technicians excel in their chosen professions. WIA Nepal engages with the public sector, the private sector, civil society, and development agencies in the pursuit of its mission. For more information, please visit WIANepal.org.
