Resistance of the Gender Subaltern in Bina Theeng’s Yambunera

Abstract

This research examines the resistance of female characters in Bina Theeng's collection of short stories,Yambunera, from the perspective of gender subalternity. The stories by Theeng portray realistic depictions of women and their struggles, particularly the resistance of women from the Tamang communities around the Kathmandu Valley. To analyze the gender subalternity and resistance of women characters in Theeng's selected stories, the researcher draws theoretical insights from Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak’s "Can the Subaltern Speak?", focusing on the Tamang women characters within their own communities surrounding Yambu (Kathmandu). The research concludes that despite hardships imposed by state authorities, Tamang women of rural areas around Kathmandu Valley sustain their livelihood by producing local liquor (Raksi) and practicing agri-animal farming. However, their resistance to authorities like Nepal police, Nepal army, and power authorities is meticulously presented to voice themarginalized communities. In this respect, Tamang women’s resistance to the hegemonic power is made visible by preserving their traditional culture and letting them speak out against social injustice. Keywords: Subalternity, Gender role, Consciousness, Resistance, Tamang women