Gender, rights and policy specialist Joshi releases memoir ‘Weaving My South Asian Tapestry’

KATHMANDU: Chandni Joshi, Senior National Adviser for UN Women Nepal and former Regional Director of United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) South Asia, released her memoir ‘Weaving My South Asian Tapestry’ on Monday. 

Joshi is also the Enforcer for Homenet South Asia, an organisation working for home-based workers. She is the recipient of 'WOW Women Achievers Lifetime Achievement Award 2024'.  

At the launch programme, Joshi said, "This book is not just my story but a story of resilience and sisterhood across borders and ecosystems. Honouring the lives and voices of women, woven with the colours of rebellion – this story is of a mother, an activist, a development worker and a rebel at heart."  

She added, "Building unity across caste, creed and religion to the women rising from the ruins of chaos – they are the heroes about whom I have written. I have worked for women’s rights in regions steeped in patriarchy, and this book does not just share my philosophy of inclusivity but also the lessons I have learned the hard way."  

Chief guest at the event, Minister of Labour, Employment and Social Security Sharat Singh Bhandari shared anecdotes from his 40-year association with Joshi, commending her resilience, dedication to social justice and longevity as an advocate for the voiceless.  

Also present were Abrar Hashmi, Ambassador of Pakistan to Nepal; Shahiya Manik, SAARC Director of Social Affairs; and Rinchen Chophel, Director-General of SAIEVAC, who spoke of the author’s influence on their work.  

Published by BookHill, the memoir spans six decades in Joshi’s pursuit of equality. It has been met with wide critical acclaim as a narrative of triumph, profound love, loss and a marriage reminiscent of fiction.  

The launch featured testimonies from family, friends, dignitaries and colleagues, who reflected on Joshi’s contributions to the anti-trafficking movement, women’s economic empowerment, rights advocacy and policy-shaping.  

‘Weaving My South Asian Tapestry’ is available nationwide.

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