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DR. BISHNU MAYA PARIYAR
from New Era
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POWERHOUSE GLOBAL MAGAZINE (PGMAG) INTERVIEW WITH:
DR. BISHNU MAYA PARIYAR (DBMP)
PGMAG: Dr. Bishnu, you are welcome to today's interview.
DBMP: Thank you for having me.
PGMAG: Please briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
DBMP: My name is Bishnu Maya Pariyar. I am the Founding President and Chief Patron of Association of Dalit Women’s Advancement of Nepal (ADWAN). ADWAN enables rural Dalit women repressed by their caste and gender to claim their rights and live in dignity. Our mission addresses the root causes of gender and caste-based discrimination by organizing women from different castes, building solidarity, and offering access to training and savings and loan activities. ADWAN's bottom-up approach directly focuses on the UN Sustainable Development Goals of women's empowerment, gender equality, poverty reduction and universal education. I also served as the Advisory Member of Diversity and Inclusion Board of Mayor Steven M. Fulop of Jersey City, New Jersey, United States. I am also Emissary of Sister City between City of Jersey City and Nepal’s Indrawati Rural Municipality.
PGMAG: As a well celebrated leader with over 40 National and International awards, what is your driving force to keep making a difference in the world?
DBMP: I belong to a Dalit caste family in Nepal. Dalits are still treated as untouchable people which is inhuman and against the law. I faced intense discrimination and prejudice when I was growing up. Once I asked my dad why I am different than other children? My dad used telling me you need to educate and fight against this inhuman system. Yes, the love of my family always solaced me and helped me to fight against most inhumane discrimination. Had my dad not supported me and all other sisters, we would not have been so much successful in life despite all the hardships that life posed on us. My dad gave me courage and zeal to fight against this discrimination when I was growing up, during all the stages of my life. Inhumane discrimination shattered my concept of humanity. However, the words of my dad had left an indelible impression on my mind. All the discriminations failed to obstruct my determination to turn into reality the vision of my not only about me but also about a world free from social and racial discrimination. That’s why I will continue to fight against discrimination, social injustice and inhuman practice until everyone can live with respect and dignity.
PGMAG: As a dedicated professional, what are some of the measures needed to ensure the safety of children and their families?
DBMP: Women must have access to the police to file a criminal report and receive legal advice and protection orders. The response to violence must be immediate, coordinated, and effective so that crimes are punished, and justice is secured. There can be no lasting peace when women suffer sexual violence. Courts and the justice system must be accessible and responsive to criminal and civil matters relating to violence against women. Women must be informed of their legal rights and supported to navigate the legal system. And for this, we need more women police officers, prosecutors, and judges, because we know that women serving on the frontlines of justice strengthen justice for women and children.
PGMAG: How would you describe your style of leadership?
DBMP: A great leader possess a clear vision, is courageous, has integrity, honesty, humility and clear focus. Great leaders help people to reach their goals. In my whole life I have been empowering others to stand for themselves.
PGMAG: How do you create balance amidst all your hardwork?
DBMP:
Balancing my time is always my great challenge. There is always so much to do. I used to be burned out and if I do not accomplish what I am supposed to do, I would feel so guilty. My husband always tells me that he would never go to vacation with me as I was not enjoying. But now I crossed 40 already and I began to realize that I need to think of my health and wellbeing.
I started doing yoga, walking when I have time. I think it is so important taking a break from work to maintaining a quality of life.
PGMAG: Please tell us a little bit about your work in the Domestic and Sexual Violence arena.
DBMP: Beside volunteering for ADWAN, I work as a Coordinator at Hudson Speaks against Sexual Violence program. My job is advocating for the survivors and victims of domestic and sexual violence. The project is called Bolo Behen (Speak Sister) which is for South Asian American women and their families. We create a safe space with a full range of culturally-sensitive, language-specific information, support, services and advocacy for women living in Hudson County who are experiencing domestic and sexual violence. The project also strives to start a dialogue about issues of violence within the community and works with a wide variety of groups, organizations, and individuals. The project focuses on engaging the women exposing them to a myriad of services to better their mental, emotional and physical needs. Through the establishment of community partnerships, the Project offers women help, support and guidance through their sexual trauma and in all areas of their lives. Our hope is that all South Asian American women who have been affected by domestic and sexual violence will know that there is support available to heal their pain and suffering. I also conduct Culturally Sensitivity Training for police, detectives, prosecutors, lawyers and people from different government agencies.
PGMAG: How can people be protected from such violation of human rights?
DBMP: Human rights violations pose serious consequences for current and future generations. The effects of violence can remain with individuals for a lifetime and can pass from one generation to another. To protect people from human right abuse, international law should be fully implemented, and people should be empowered so they can understand legal system against human rights abuse. Laws, policies and programs should focus for the vulnerable populations who are at highest risk of abuse and violence. For an effective response to this violence, different sectors in society must work together.
PGMAG: Women are often denied the opportunity to take on key positions in some organisations. What could be done to bridge the gap?
DBMP:
We need to empower ourselves and empower other women, young and aspiring girls. Women need to work together to create the solidarity to fight for gender equality. If we persist change is always possible.
The society should know that without women’s meaningful and shared participation there wouldn’t be equitable society.
PGMAG: Finally, what would you say to your younger self?
DBMP: To be successful, we need to set goals in our lives. I encourage each and everyone to keep setting goals. I know the power that this simple act can have. The great thing about goals when you have them, the path sometimes reveals itself. Never stop listening and never stop learning. Learn, pivot, grow, challenge yourself, and only do it if you are fulfilled in being a part of bringing about change. Don’t be afraid of change. And have fun. And last but not least, take care of yourself. make sure to have a good work-life balance and protect your mental health. Surround yourself with a good support network of people you trust, people that believe in you and want to help you succeed. Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help from the people around you.
PGMAG: Thank you once again for sharing your brilliance with us.
DBMP: I am grateful that through your popular magazine I am able to spread my message. Thank you for the opportunity.
PGMAG: Please share your links with us.
DBMP: You can find more info about my work at: www.BishnuMayaPariyar.com and www.adwan.org
