Shobha Sunuwar, also known by her pen name ‘Juliet,’ is the first female poet in the Koinch Sunuwar language of Nepal. She is the Vice Chairperson of the Sunuwar Welfare Society and the General Secretary of the National Indigenous Women Federation. She is actively involved in promoting indigenous culture and literature as a television presenter, writer and cultural coordinator. Shobha is also a key member of several organisations supporting the Koinch Sunuwar community including the Federation of Indigenous Literature and Writers of Nepal and the Sunuwar Women Society. Beyond her literary contributions, Shobha has been instrumental in advocating for indigenous women’s rights in Nepal. Excerpts of a conversation with WOW
What inspired your shift from writing in Khas Nepali to composing poems in the Koinch language?
I was born and raised in the slum area of Ramechhaap, where most of the residents were Sunwar people. Growing up, I wasn’t very familiar with the Khas language, as I only spoke my mother tongue, Koinch, an indigenous language. Due to the lack of schools and colleges in my area, we eventually moved to Durgapur where the community was more diverse, with people from various castes who predominantly spoke Nepali. Naturally, I adapted to this environment and began learning and writing in Nepali. At the age of 13, I started composing poems in Nepali, which earned me recognition and awards throughout my school years. Later, when I moved to Kathmandu for high school, I faced significant struggles, both financially and in terms of self-identity. It was during this period that I discovered the, ‘Sunuwar Sewa Samaj’ and became an active member.
This community introduced me to the importance of language, culture, identity, and the value of preserving our roots. This realisation motivated me to focus on the linguistic aspect of my identity. I began by translating some of my Nepali poems into the Koinch language. Over time, as I grew more confident and connected to my mother tongue, I transitioned to composing original poems in Koinch. After years of contribution, I have become the first female poet to write poems in the Koinch language and this has helped me contribute to its preservation and recognition.
What does your poetry reflect?
Through my poetry, I gradually began to incorporate the traditions, practices and values of the Sunuwar community. My work reflects my childhood experiences, the unwritten history of our people, our unique identity, and our cultural heritage. Writing became a medium for me to express my feelings and allow me to honour and preserve the essence of the Sunuwar community.
What are the challenges of promoting Koinch literature?
The population of the Sunwar community is relatively small compared to others which poses a significant challenge in promoting Koinch literature. Early on, I wrote a few poems for newspapers and magazines to raise awareness of the language. When Nepal began celebrating National Language Day, it provided me with an opportunity to perform my poem, ‘Aee Manche Ko Sansaar at the National Academy. While writing this poem, I realised that only those who speak my mother tongue could fully understand my work. After the recitation, many people, unfamiliar with the Sunwar language, were surprised to learn that it still exists today. Although my poetry received appreciation from some, others viewed it negatively, questioning the legitimacy of Koinch as a language and the originality of my work. Some individuals and organisations even disapproved of my efforts and expressed criticism. Despite these obstacles, I remained steadfast in my mission. I continued promoting Koinch literature and eventually had the privilege of representing my language at national and international seminars. In 2022, I had an opportunity to represent my language on an international stage in Korea, by UNESCO. During this event, I recited ten poems in my native language which was a deeply rewarding experience.
Are there any poets or writers who have significantly influenced your work?
During my school days, one of my biggest influences was William Shakespeare. His work played a major role in sparking my interest in literature and poetry which is why I even adopted the pen name “Juliet.” His storytelling and poetic brilliance has left a lasting impression on me. Another major influence is Laxmi Gurung, a close friend and former member of the Constituent Assembly. We began our literary journey together, and her dedication and hard work deeply inspired me. When I transitioned to writing in the Koinch language, I found great inspiration in a Koinch artist whose work helped me better understand and appreciate the richness of my own cultural and linguistic heritage.
What are some of your experiences and challenges as the General Secretary of the National Indigenous Women Federation?
I became involved with this organisation when I heard about the constitutional reform movement. At the time, I was a member of the Sunuwar Sewa Samaj’s Kathmandu district wing and later became a co-member. During this period, there was significant momentum in Kathmandu for constitutional reforms, and I actively participated in the movement advocating for indigenous identity and rights. We demanded that the constitution recognise the rights of indigenous people based on international frameworks such as ILO 169 UNDT, ILO Convention 169, and the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). This involvement helped me understand the vital role of language, culture and tradition in shaping identity.
I joined the Sunuwar Sewa Samaj Centre for Women, an organisation focused on empowering women and ensuring their representation. Women’s organisations play a crucial role in addressing indigenous issues because we need to be at the forefront of our movements to raise our voices effectively. This led me to serve as the General Secretary of the National Indigenous Women Federation. In my role, we have organised various initiatives, such as language education programs, national language festivals, and art and culture festivals; all aimed at preserving and promoting our heritage. However, the journey has not been without challenges. Many women in indigenous communities face financial hardships, lack awareness, and are not adequately educated. Language preservation is another major hurdle, as fewer people can speak, read or write in their native tongue. To address these issues, we need to go beyond traditional methods like relying solely on books. We must adopt digital tools and platforms to ensure broader reach and engagement.
What is the primary focus of Nepal Indigenous Women Federation for you?
The challenges facing indigenous women in Nepal today largely stem from systemic issues at the grassroots level. One of the major obstacles is the lack of linguistic inclusivity in education and governance. The government predominantly uses one language – Nepali, and English. This forces indigenous communities to operate in languages other than their own which creates significant barriers and marginalises their identity.
To address these issues, the Nepal Indigenous Women Federation focuses on capacity-building and empowerment. We strive to educate and create awareness about the importance of Indigenous languages and culture. We also work closely with local governments, applying pressure and advocating for the implementation of constitutional provisions regarding Indigenous language rights. Language is more than just a means of communication. If there is no language, there is no identity.
Do you have plans for publishing a collection of your poems or other literary works?
I have been working on a collection of my poems which I plan to publish soon. This collection delves into the essence of our traditional culture, exploring how it shapes our identity and daily lives. Through these poems, I hope to highlight the richness of our heritage and preserve it for future generations. Like any journey, mine has been filled with challenges, but I believe there is no success without overcoming them.
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