KATHMANDU: The Sustainable Development Goals are grounded in the principle of ‘Leaving No One Behind,’ with equal participation of both women and men being a key focus for building a just, inclusive, and equitable society.
According to the SDGs, 40 percent women’s participation in the federal parliament is to be achieved by 2030.
Furthermore, plans are in place to triple the proportion of women employees in the workforce.
The Government of Nepal also aims to reduce the gender inequality index from 0.49 to 0.05.
Nepal’s 16th Plan also sets ambitious targets for women’s representation: 40 percent at the federal level, 40 percent at the provincial level, and 45 percent at the local level by the fiscal year 2085/86 BS.
A major milestone in women’s empowerment has been the leadership of women in the state executive, especially in a traditionally patriarchal society.
From urban centers to rural villages, women have advanced across various sectors, breaking barriers and stepping into leadership roles.
Historically, women have been denied the right to education and have been excluded from political, economic, and social justice.
Throughout Nepal’s history, women have fought for their rights and equality, from the Rana era and the monarchy to the advent of democracy and the current federal democratic system.
This ongoing struggle has seen women overcoming immense challenges to claim their rightful place in leadership. Khabarhub has compiled stories of some of these remarkable women.
Dwarika Devi Thakurani: Nepal’s first woman minister
Dwarika Devi Thakurani made history as the first woman to become a minister in Nepal.
In 2016 BS, she was appointed Assistant Minister in the government led by Prime Minister BP Koirala.
Born into an educated and wealthy family in Silgadi, Dwarika Devi was one of the few girls in her community who received an education.
At that time, most girls were denied the opportunity to study, and families would only send their sons to India for education.
Raised in a politically conscious household—her father, Bamdev, was a government employee—she was exposed to contemporary political issues.
Dwarika Devi witnessed the political turmoil of the Rana period, including the shocking death sentence handed to Dasharath Chand of Baitadi and the heightened political unrest that followed.
Her brother, Shivaraj Pant, was actively involved in the ‘Quit India’ movement, and her husband, Uddhav Bahadur, shared progressive political ideologies. Dwarika Devi herself moved to Kathmandu during the Rana regime.
She joined the Nepali Congress in 2005 BS, under the influence of BP Koirala.
After the revolution of 2007 BS, the first general elections were held in Nepal in 2015 BS.
Dwarika Devi was elected as the first and only woman leader in the 2015 BS elections from Dadeldhura.
Bidya Devi Bhandari: Nepal’s first female President
Bidya Devi Bhandari made history as the first female president of the democratic republic of Nepal and became the twenty-sixth woman globally to hold the position of head of state.
Born in 2018 BS in a modest farming family in Manebhanjyang village, Bhojpur, Bhandari’s political journey began in her student years when she became active in left-wing democratic movements.
She led the All Nepal National Independent Students Union (ANNISU) at the local level in Bhojpur.
In 2037 BS, she joined the All Nepal Women’s Association, aligned with the CPN (ML). She worked tirelessly for women’s rights, the student movement, and the fight for democracy.
In 2039 BS, she married communist leader Madan Bhandari. Eleven years later, in 2050 BS, her life was marked by tragedy when Madan died in a mysterious road accident in Dasdhunga, Chitwan.
Despite this personal loss, Bhandari continued to balance her responsibilities as a mother to her two daughters and as an active political figure.
In 2050 BS, she was elected from Kathmandu Constituency No. 1 in a by-election following Madan’s death.
She won re-election in the mid-term elections of 2051 BS and 2056 BS, and in 2054 BS, she became the Minister of Environment and Population.
Bhandari was instrumental in advocating for 33 percent female participation in all state organs following the 2062/63 BS movement.
This was enshrined in the Constitution of Nepal, adopted by the Constituent Assembly in 2015.
She also made history in 2066 BS by becoming Nepal’s first female Minister of Defense.
In 2072 BS, Bhandari became the first female President of Nepal and was re-elected for a second term in 2074 BS.
Prior to her presidency, she served as Vice-President of the CPN-UML from the Ninth General Convention, President of the All Nepal Women’s Association, and a member of the Legislature-Parliament.
Through their perseverance and commitment, women like Dwarika Devi Thakurani and Bidya Devi Bhandari have paved the way for future generations of women leaders in Nepal.
Their journeys exemplify the progress made in the fight for women’s empowerment and equality in the country.
Onsari Gharti: From rebel commander to first female Speaker
Onsari Gharti Magar made history in 2072 BS, when she became Nepal’s first female Speaker of the Parliament.
Born in 2034 BS in Jankot, Rolpa, to middle-class farmers Naumati and Prasad Gharti Magar, Onsari’s childhood was marked by inequality and discrimination.
Despite not facing severe financial hardship, these societal injustices motivated her to become actively involved in the movement for change.
A pivotal moment in her life occurred when a village landlord forced a poor family to sit on the ground, which deeply affected her and sparked her desire to fight for justice.
This incident propelled her into the Maoist movement, where she aimed to create a fairer society.
Known as Comrade ‘Usha’ during the movement, Onsari married fellow Maoist fighter Barshaman Pun in 2052 BS.
Remarkably, she continued to participate in the struggle even while seven months pregnant.
Much like the women who fought against the British at the Nalapani fort, carrying children on their backs, Onsari too carried a weapon while pregnant, embodying the strength of women in revolutionary movements. She became a central figure in the Maoist party from 2060 BS onward.
Onsari was elected as a member of the first Constituent Assembly through proportional representation, and later served as the Minister of Youth and Sports.
When she became Speaker, some criticized her qualifications for the position, but she proved herself with a steady and efficient leadership.
Her tenure, though not without exceptions, was largely free from controversy, and she left an enduring mark on the political landscape.
Sushila Karki: Breaking barriers in the judiciary
Sushila Karki made history as the first woman to serve as Chief Justice of Nepal’s Supreme Court, a position she held after a remarkable career in the legal field.
Appointed in 2073 BS, Karki was known for her fearless nature and simple lifestyle.
With over three decades of experience in advocacy, she served as a Supreme Court judge for seven years before reaching the pinnacle of her career.
Karki’s educational journey began with a BA from Mahendra Morang College in Biratnagar in 2028 BS, followed by an MA in Political Science from Banaras Hindu University in 2031 BS.
She went on to complete her law degree at Tribhuvan University in 2034 BS, setting her on a path to become a distinguished figure in Nepal’s legal community.
She held key leadership roles in the legal field, serving as the President of the Karki Koshi Zonal Bar from 2045-2047 BS and as the President of the Biratnagar Appellate Bar from 2059-2061 BS.
In 2061 BS, she became a senior advocate and was appointed as a temporary judge of the Supreme Court in 2065 BS. By 2067 BS, she became a permanent judge.
As Chief Justice, Karki earned widespread recognition for her unwavering stance on corruption and justice.
She presided over several high-profile cases, including the conviction of Minister for Information and Communications Jayaprakash Prasad Gupta in a corruption case.
She also played a key role in sending those involved in the Sudan corruption scandal to jail.
However, her tenure was not without controversy. One of the most debated decisions during her time as Chief Justice was related to the appointment of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) of Nepal Police, which sparked significant public debate.
Leela Devi: A trailblazer in personnel administration
For the first time in the 70-year history of Nepal’s Chief Secretary system, Leela Devi entered the top leadership of the personnel administration as the 27th Chief Secretary.
She is widely regarded as a controversy-free and highly respected civil servant, which has paved the way for her remarkable rise to this high-ranking position.
Born in Myanglung, Tehrathum, in 2023 BS, Leela Devi joined the civil service in 2052 BS as a section officer.
She gradually advanced through the ranks, becoming a deputy secretary in 2063 BS, a joint secretary in 2070 BS, and a secretary in 2077 BS.
Leela passed her SLC in 2038 BS, followed by a Certificate of Proficiency (IL) and a Bachelor’s (BL) degree from Nepal Law Campus under Tribhuvan University.
She went on to complete her LLM in Human Rights and Gender Justice from Kathmandu School of Law and a Master’s in Political Science from Tribhuvan University.
Leela’s career includes significant roles in the Ministry of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs, as well as the Election Commission and the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Currently, women make up 28.23% of the civil service. Of the 85,512 civil service employees, 24,143 are women, reflecting the growing presence of women in this important sector.
Nirmala Sharma: A new era of leadership in Nepali journalism
For the first time in its 69-year history, the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) has elected a woman as President.
Nirmala Sharma secured the presidency with the support of the Press Chautari and Press Union alliance, defeating her opponent Ramesh Bista from the Press Center by more than 1,200 votes.
The elections were held simultaneously in all districts and provinces last Friday.
Nirmala, who currently hosts the Sarokar Sambad program on Sarokar TV, has been a prominent figure in Nepali journalism for nearly three decades.
Throughout her career, she has championed social transformation, gender justice, freedom of the press, and free expression.
Women leading in various districts of Nepal
Several women have also been elected to key positions within local branches of the Federation of Nepali Journalists:
Shobha Aryal won the presidency of the Kathmandu branch, which has the largest membership of journalists.
She triumphed over the UML and Congress alliance to become president near the Maoist press center.
Shobha is currently the Editor of Red Voice Nepal and Deputy Editor of Nishan News.
Similarly, Sushila Pathak has been elected the first female president of the Morang district branch of the Federation.
She secured 117 votes, defeating her opponent Nawaraj Kattel, who received 59 votes.
Likewise, Sundevi Rasaili was elected unopposed as the President of the Mustang branch of the Federation.
Similarly, Khubina Sunari Magar emerged victorious as the President of the Rolpa district branch.
She also serves as the district president of the Federation of Indigenous and Nationalities Journalists.
Menuka Karki: Breaking new ground in economic journalism
In a significant development for Nepali economic journalism, Menuka Karki has been elected as the President of the Nepal Economic Journalists Society.
Karki’s victory marked the first time a woman has led the organization, as she defeated her opponent Indra Baniya by 100 votes to 87.
This marks a new chapter in the leadership of NAFIZ, further empowering women in the field of economic journalism.
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