Empower 400 Girls and Boys to be Leaders in Nepal

On June 15, 2024, Women LEAD Nepal hosted its highly anticipated annual Symposium and Graduation ceremony for the 2023 LEADers. This significant event was marked by vibrant celebrations and insightful discussions, featuring two compelling panel discussions: "Women Advancing Change" and "Impact Unveiled: Women LEAD as Catalysts of Change."

Our graduating LEADers and Fellows were surrounded by an enthusiastic community of parents, mentors, friends, supporters of Women LEAD Nepal, and distinguished dignitaries. The event was a testament to the power of collective effort in empowering women and fostering leadership for a brighter future.

Hima, Executive Director of Women LEAD Nepal, delivered the opening remarks. She was also pictured in conversation with U.S. Embassy Spokesperson Zehra, who engaged in inspiring and meaningful conversations with our graduates and presented special awards to the graduates.

During the second panel, "Impact Unveiled: Women LEAD as Catalysts of Change," alumni panelists Praju, Ayurda, and Samanata, along with moderator Rakshya, were photographed with Honorable Member Mina Devi Ji of the National Dalit Commission of Nepal. 2023 LEADer Sakina delivered a speech about her experiences, and the graduating cohort presented a dance to celebrate their graduation.

Another 2023 LEAD Course Graduate, Ranjana, 18, from Sindhupalchowk, won the 'Most Growth Award' for the LEAD Course during the ceremony and shared her experiences. "The LEAD Course was a turning point in my life. It introduced me to women's leadership and taught me skills I had missed out on for 18 years. I learned public speaking, leadership, active listening, time management, civic engagement, and more. I also learned to engage in social issues and work as a change-maker," she explained.

 Member of Parliament and former State Minister for Health, Honorable Dr. Toshima, attended the graduation ceremony to inspire the graduates. They emphasized the need for meaningful representation and leadership of women in all state apparatus.

Congratulations to our graduates, and welcome to our amazing alumni community!

Links:

• Check out the photos from the 2023 LEADer's Graduation Ceremony

We recently completed our School Leadership Program with one of the most anticipated events of the year: the SLP graduation for 319 students! During the School Leadership Program (SLP), each LEADer invests 300+ hours in creating change as they co-lead a four-month ‘pay it forward’ initiative in the form of SLP by taking the knowledge and skills they learned and empowering other girls and boys. The hands-on training, they provide to other young people tackles essential youth issues, such as gender-based violence, bullying, reproductive health, and civic engagement, which are important issues that are notably absent from the national curriculum.

During the 2023-2024 SLP Graduation Ceremony, we had a program overview by Senior Program Manager Suju, distribution of the token of appreciation to the schools where SLP was held, speeches by Co-LEADers, dance, musical performances, and recitations by participants from all schools, and vote of thanks by Women LEAD Nepal Board. We were joined by parents of the participants, representatives of the schools, mentors of LEADers, staff and board members.

The very unique aspect of SLP is that it is a co-educational program. In 2023-2024, we had 69% female and 31% male participants. Totaling to 319, the participants were from 6 government schools and 8 private schools. Educating young girls and boys on gendered issues and perspectives together can significantly promote gender equality and understanding, which are essential for creating a more inclusive and equitable society. SLP sessions help to challenge traditional gender roles and stereotypes by exposing students to diverse perspectives and behaviors, helping to create a more inclusive and accepting society.

Celebration and awareness days are powerful catalysts for action, but they’re most effective when they’re a part of ongoing, broader, sustained efforts toward change. Creating change requires consistent work through advocacy and awareness, leadership training, mentorship, providing safe spaces and platforms for people to use their voices, community engagement, policy change, and so on, which is crucial for driving long-term, meaningful change.

Women LEAD NEPAL, which is a youth-driven, youth-led, inclusive organization that is learning, constantly reflecting, and growing, fulfills its Vision and Mission by trying to ripples of change through our flagships, outreach, and alumni engagement programs- which aims in many different ways equip young women to be leaders and change-makers and provides access to opportunities and resources that positive outcomes for individuals, families, and communities, contributing to a more inclusive and equitable society. 

Thank you for helping us build a better world where women leaders co-create the future!

Links:

• Check out the photos from the SLP Graduation