KATHMANDU: Project Abhaya concluded its highly anticipated Feminist Fellowship 2025, a three-day immersive program held from June 16 to 18 in Bhaktapur.
The fellowship united 32 dynamic young changemakers from across Nepal to reimagine leadership, justice, and power through a feminist lens. Rosetta Education International served as the platinum sponsor for the events.
The fellowship featured an engaging lineup of sessions and speakers focused on governance, political education, intersectionality, storytelling, and grassroots feminist organizing.
Each day was designed to spark critical dialogue, deepen understanding, and equip participants with tools to drive transformative change in their communities.
Former Education Minister Bidhya Bhattarai advocated for feminist pedagogy in public schools, stating, “We must rewrite the curriculum with equity at its core.”
Simrika Sharma, Head of the UN Information Center, highlighted the power of storytelling in reclaiming feminist narratives. Meena Sharma, founder of Dignified Workplace, emphasized the urgent need for gender-inclusive policies across sectors, while Kamala Parajuli, head of the National Women Commission, called for legal reforms to better protect women’s rights.
Among other speakers, Kathmandu Deputy Mayor Sunita Dangol stressed the importance of linguistic identity and cultural resilience in feminist policymaking. Bhaktapur Deputy Mayor Rajani Joshi urged greater grassroots participation of young women in local governance.
Youth leadership was a recurring theme throughout the fellowship. Dujang Sherpa, president of the Nepal Student Union, encouraged young people to view leadership as a responsibility, not a reward.
The final day, themed “Ideas for Liberation: Building the Feminist Future,” featured creative group pitches and a powerful closing circle. The event marked a historic moment with the launch of two key documents:
The Feminist Political Handbook — a living archive of tools, strategies, and stories developed throughout the fellowship.
The Kathmandu Feminist Declaration — a bold, youth-authored manifesto outlining ten commitments to build a more inclusive, equitable, and democratic Nepal.
Reflecting on the fellowship, Project Abhaya founder Ishika Panta remarked,
“This fellowship was never about creating leaders for tomorrow — it was about reminding them they already are. The Kathmandu Declaration is not the end; it is the beginning of the feminist future we dare to build.”
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