Uma Bista is a Nepalese photographer known for her powerful visual storytelling, particularly focused on issues of gender, identity, and social inequality. Her work often sheds light on the challenges faced by women in Nepal, exploring themes of tradition, patriarchy, and women’s right through her photographs.
“My journey into photography began quite unexpectedly,” she explains. “In high school, I took a journalism class that included a brief focus on photography. Back then, I was planning to become a nurse- a profession that my parents fully supported, and I even took the entrance exams.” But that short course on photography was enough to spark a deep and immediate passion, one strong enough to change the course of her life. She fell in love with the medium and never looked back.
Uma gained international recognition with her project Our Songs from the Forest, which captures the stories of young girls in western Nepal who are subjected to Chhaupadi, a deeply rooted tradition that isolates women during menstruation.
“This project remains one of those closest to my heart. My focus on gender issues emerged from the life I have lived and the society I grew up in, rather than from a single incident. Living in a patriarchal system, witnessing and experiencing inequality firsthand, I felt compelled to do something” she tells me.
In 2019, a tragic incident involving the death of a mother and her two children in a menstrual hut led Uma to the far west of Nepal to document a generation caught between tradition and change.
“Young girls were relieved to sleep indoors, while older women feared divine punishment if they broke the taboo. That dilemma continues today, and despite awareness campaigns and policies, the stigma around menstruation still runs deep- even in urban areas like Kathmandu, where my own mother enforces certain rituals during my cycle. Creating a comfortable and safe space will take time and effort. However, there is a flicker of hope and some young girls I’ve been collaborating with are actively advocating for change and educating their communities.”
Photography thus serves both as an artistic and advocacy tool, aiming to raise awareness about issues around her. “Photography is so much more than just images; it’s also about starting conversations around topics that might otherwise never happen.”
Uma has received several accolades and has participated in prominent exhibitions. As a young voice in photography, she is considered a significant figure in contemporary visual journalism from Nepal, where she blends personal narrative with wider social commentary.
When working on sensitive topics such as menstruation, Uma’s process is rooted in trust and empathy. “I don’t just arrive and start photographing. I invest time in getting to know people I’m working with. I see them as collaborators, not subjects. We build a relationship first, based on mutual respect and understanding. Only when that foundation is in place do I bring out my camera. I want their voices and experiences to come through- not just my perspective.”
Although she often begins projects with a framework in mind, Uma allows space for experimentation and the unexpected. She believes the creative process should remain fluid. In her words, “Sometimes some magic will happen, and sometimes nothing will happen.” Her conceptual projects involve more structure and planning, but even then, she remains “open to surprises. Flexibility is key to staying truthful and responsive to the situation.”
As a woman navigating a male-dominated industry, Uma has faced scepticism and bias throughout her career. Early on, male colleagues questioned her ability to survive in the field, suggesting that photography was not a profession for women. Such dismissive comments, while disheartening, only strengthened her resolve to keep going.
“Women in Nepal face numerous challenges today, including gender-based violence, limited access to economic opportunities, inadequate health and reproductive rights, and many harmful traditional practices.”
Uma also facilitates photography workshops around the world, guiding aspiring photographers-especially young women- who want to use their art to address social issues. Her advice is clear and heartfelt: “Trust yourself, take your time, and allow your vision to unfold naturally. Some find direction early, others take time. Both paths are valid. Think of it like climbing a mountain: every step counts. Take the time to understand your voice and your purpose.”
In 2023, Uma served as a judge for POY Asia, an experience she describes as both enriching and inspiring. “It was inspiring to see such a diverse body of work and to engage deeply with the photographic community across Asia. Competitions like these are important as they offer visibility, spark self-reflection and open doors for photographers at all stages of their careers” she explains.
Looking back on her career, Uma acknowledges many formative moments: “There are many milestones I cherish. Working as a photojournalist for a daily newspaper pushed me beyond my limits. I was constantly in the field, covering social and political stories, often outside my comfort zone. Studying at Pathshala South Asian Media Institute was another turning point. It expanded not just my skills, but also my perspective and purpose.“
Currently, she is focused on completing her projects Our Songs from the Forest and Stay Home, Sisters, while also dreaming of giving them a more concrete form- perhaps as books or exhibitions. “As a freelancer, plans are always shifting, but I’m learning to embrace the unpredictability while staying grounded in what matters.”
Uma draws inspiration from photographers such as Newsha Tavakolian and Sohrab Hura, whose mentorship has helped shape her creative voice. She also holds deep gratitude for Nayantara Gurung Kakshyapati, whom she considers a guiding force in her life and work.
“Photography continues to be my language, my way of listening and speaking.” Through her images, Uma Bista continues to challenge norms, empower women, and tell stories that matter. Her photography is not only a personal journey, but a call to see, to feel and to act.
Silvia Dona’