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In the vast realm of the trekking and outdoor industry, porters and guides play a vital role in ensuring adventurers’ success and safety worldwide. However, did you know that they confront far from idyllic realities? Both, male and female porters are struggling with the negligence of their basic rights. To date, there are only a handful of articles and stories published in magazines that shed light on their plight and challenges as mountain expedition workers. Amid this reality, female porters face additional struggles in this male-dominated domain. Regarded as “less capable,” they are deprived of equal opportunities and recognition, fighting an uphill battle to find their voice and identity within the industry. Some have reportedly faced sexual assault too, as noted in the past.
One such battle is being fought by the female porters and guides of Nepal. According to on-ground research by The Porter Voice Collective, an organization comprised of volunteers who conduct interviews of guides and porters in Nepal’s Himalayan Trails, Peru’s Inca Trail, and Tanzania’s Kilimanjaro, female guides and porters unearthed the harsh realities they face in their pursuit of a career in the trekking industry. Before delving into the challenges faced by female porters and guides, let’s first take a moment to familiarize ourselves with Nepal’s mountain communities.
In the breathtaking expanse of the Nepali mountains, the term “Sherpa” stands tall as a renowned label synonymous with the dedicated mountain workers of Nepal. These seasoned trekkers encompass various roles, such as guides, porters, or climbers, yet the precise definition remains somewhat elusive. Nevertheless, “Sherpa” has become universally understood as denoting a Nepali mountain worker. Beneath this widely recognized term lies a crucial distinction often overlooked; “Sherpa” with a capital “S” represents an ethnicity, specifically referring to those native to the Solukhumbu (Everest) region. On the other hand, “sherpa” with a lowercase “s” serves as an umbrella term encompassing the diverse workforce responsible for making trekking and mountaineering in Nepal possible. It is important to recognize that not all workers on the mountain or other high peaks are Sherpas. Labeling all mountain workers as “Sherpas” inadvertently marginalizes the contributions of other communities, including Rai, Tamang, Khaling, Gurung, and Kulung Rai, among others, who play equally vital roles in the industry.
Regrettably, the storytelling surrounding the Sherpas’ extraordinary abilities has resulted in an international glorification, commercialization, and mystification of their culture and skills in the mountains. This narrative inadvertently perpetuates a labor hierarchy where tourists often prefer Sherpas as their guides and porters, placing other communities at a disadvantage in securing job opportunities. Moreover, this excessive focus on Sherpas’ roles in climbing narrows their identity to a single function, neglecting their diverse talents and capabilities of pursuing a career outside mountain tourism. To rectify this, it is essential to avoid using “sherpa” as a generic job description. Instead, adopting terms like “local workforce,” “local guide,” and “local porter” accurately acknowledges the varied contributions of individuals from different communities. While tourists’ preferences do influence labor hierarchies in the industry, historical factors such as the Muluki Ain – the general civil and criminal code that governs Nepali society, have significantly shaped power dynamics among workers, even after its abolition.
At the heart of the issue lies an underlying patriarchal mindset that perceives trekking and guiding as a male-dominated domain. The research conducted by the Porter Voice Collective revealed that the first hurdle for aspiring Nepali women guides and porters is obtaining their families’ approval for their dreams to flourish, and this societal barrier often becomes the toughest one to overcome. However, even after leaping over the familial hurdle, a formidable glass ceiling looms large. The male-dominated landscape of the industry restricts women from accessing jobs and gaining the much-needed field experience to become competitive. Despite being qualified, licensed, and with impeccable credentials, women guides and porters face a harsh reality—opportunities are scant, and they are relegated to the most commercial and less challenging parts of trekking routes. Several interviews shedding light on this matter are available on Porter Voice Collective’s Youtube page.
The Great Himalaya Trail Women Leaders on the Trail Nepal 2024 is a grassroots campaign spearheaded by The Porter Voice Collective, aiming to address disparities and promote equity for all guides and porters. Supported by meticulous field research and candid interviews, it seeks to create an inclusive environment where female porters and guides can thrive and receive deserved recognition.
Marinel de Jesus, founder of Brown Gal Trekker, Equity Global Treks, and The Porter Voice Collective, and researcher Sara Frenning, will embark on a groundbreaking 140-day journey, hiking the full 1700-kilometer Great Himalaya Trail from February to July. This historic endeavor will include two Nepali women porters, marking a revolutionary milestone in Nepal’s trekking industry.
Marinel de Jesus, founder of Brown Gal Trekker, Equity Global Treks, and The Porter Voice Collective, will embark on a groundbreaking 140-day journey, hiking the full 1700-kilometer Great Himalaya Trail from February to July. This historic endeavor will include at least one Nepali female guide leading the entire trek, marking a revolutionary milestone in Nepal’s trekking industry. It will be the first time that a Nepali female guide will trek the non-technical section of the GHT for a period of 140 days.
The campaign’s goal is to sponsor two female trekking guides, Mingmar Sherpa and Sumitra Acharya, who are determined to take on the GHT challenge with their expertise, passion, and determination; they represent a beacon of hope for countless aspiring women guides and porters. By scaling these heights, they intend to shatter myths and inspire women worldwide to dream big and reach for the stars.
Mingmar Sherpa hails from the small village of Garma in Solukhumbu, Nepal. She had a burning desire to explore the outdoors and connect with nature. Growing up in a middle-class family, she faced limited resources and opportunities to pursue her dreams. However, her determination led her to enroll in a guide course in 2019, marking the beginning of her transformative journey. With impressive experience, including treks to Pikey Peak, Phortse, Rolwaling, Mera Peak, Helambu, Langtang, Gosaikunda, and Annapurna Circuit, Mingmar now aspires to conquer the Great Himalaya Trail.
Sumitra Acharya comes from Chautara in Sindhupalchok, Nepal. She dreamt of solo travel despite growing up in Kathmandu without physical hard work. Offered an opportunity as a porter, her parents’ support encouraged her to step out of her comfort zone. After trekking Annapurna Circuit multiple times and encountering no other female porters or guides, she resolved to inspire more women to break societal norms. In 2020, Sumitra pursued guide training, becoming a licensed trek leader, and has since explored various regions.
Beyond breaking barriers, this campaign holds immense significance for the global tourism industry. It strives to alter the narrative around female guides and porters and make their presence more visible. By creating a strong and diverse representation of women in the trekking industry, Nepal will showcase its commitment to inclusivity and diversity, attracting travelers from all corners of the world. As tourists witness the grit and determination of these women, they will be drawn to support and engage in trekking experiences led by female guides. This transformative shift can elevate Nepal’s position as a trailblazer in progressive tourism and set an inspiring example for other destinations worldwide.
The Great Himalaya Trail Women Leaders on the Trail Nepal 2024 Campaign is more than just a journey through the mountains; it is a movement for change. It calls upon the world to recognize and celebrate women’s invaluable contributions to the tourism industry, not just in Nepal but across the globe. It is a tribute to the strength, resilience, and potential of women everywhere.
In the grandeur of the Himalayas, a new chapter in trekking history is unfolding—one that opens doors, embraces diversity, and empowers women. It’s time to stand united and support this remarkable campaign as we witness women trek into the spotlight, leading the way to a more inclusive and equitable world of adventure.
Send an email to theportervoice@gmail.com to learn more.
Everest Base Camp, Langtang Valley, Manaslu Circuit & Annapurna Circuit – see https://www.browngaltrekker.com/nepal/ghtwomenleaders2024
Find the webinar here: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/pft_8l_ZJ5oEcMnpEM3sSRIDGnfc5R37tFIOWa4c1uAGtfKe6X2hK2ItAa-PQzSv.GPqcm4h7EscymTPh?startTime=1697127256000
