ASMITA (literally, identity) was established in 1988 as a non-profitable, non-political and non-governmental organization by a nucleus of young enthusiastic women journalists. Its general objective is to fulfill the existing gap in participation, representation and access to media of women. It is committed to find new ways and directions for women’s progress. Its major aim is to produce various publications on women in the media.

ASMITA is the one and only feminist alternative media organization in the country, and it functions as a pressure group for the advancement of women through media activism . 

During  1980’s, participation of Nepali women  in the public spheres was very low especially in media.Though as an impact of International Women’s Year and Decade, there had been started a discussion and debate regarding women’s human rights, yet everyone was very eager to get  new information and exposure to the issues.

In this condition, to fulfill this vacuum, ASMITA Women’s Publishing House, Media and Resource Organization (in short, ASMITA) was established in 1988 as a non-profitable, non-political and non-governmental organization by a nucleus of young enthusiastic women journalists, and started to publish the first feminist magazine of Nepal. The magazine was named Asmita which means ‘dignity’ and ‘identity’. In fact, this was the first movement of the organization for Nepali women’s human right and empowerment through media.

 
Poster

After four years of regular publication of Asmita Monthly, the team decided to expand its wings to various sectors. Its general objective is to fulfill the existing gap in participation, representation and access to media of women. Simultaneously, the organization is strongly committed for gender equality, women’s empowerment and ensuring full enjoyment of human rights for women. ASMITA is the first and only feminist alternative media organization in Nepal, and it functions as a pressure group for the advancement of women through media activism.

Achievements

As a result of its dedication, commitment and hardwork of 12 years, now ASMITA has gained some remarkable achievements. The organization’s achievements so far can be listed as follows:

Sahachari, 
a magazine for neo-literate women

• Among the educated community of the country, ASMITA has become a household name as the institution advocating for women’s cause.

• ASMITA has been able to record almost every event of Nepali women’s movement and activities of the past 12 years. It has also analyzed the past history of women’s movement of Nepal. Being an active participant of the current women’s movement in the country, ASMITA is trying to find concrete way to women’s independence.

• For the first time in Nepal, the organization’s publication Asmita Monthly has succeeded in making gender issues a matter of public debate. The credit to start discussion on feminism and feminist movement in Nepal also goes to it.

• The women’s issues raised by Asmita Monthly have penetrated the social consciousness of the country and the reflection of this can be observed in the media, parliamentary discussion, government policies, intellectual debates, common people’s conversation and so on.

• By the production and dissemination of literacy support materials, ASMITA has reached numerous rural women.

Similarly, in 1993, WIP’s Committee of London honored ASMITA by the Pandora Award. This international award is offered for outstanding achievement and work done in the field of media. In 1997, ASMITA received Rastriya Samaj Sewa Puraskar (National Social Service Award) for its contributions to women’s movement in the country. These awards have attracted and drawn the attention of many towards ASMITA. Along with the recognition, there has come a bigger responsibility to maintain the reputation of the organization. The role, responsibility and challenge have grown up compared to the past.