Empower 400 Girls and Boys to be Leaders in Nepal

In May, our 29 LEADers turned their ten months-long learnings into self-led advocacy projects, marking the final phase of their leadership journey. To prepare, they participated in a week-long “Advocacy Week” where they learned about project design, problem identification, stakeholder mapping, communication, and monitoring & evaluation. These sessions helped LEADers move beyond theory and apply their knowledge in real-life settings through meaningful, community-based solutions.

With this foundation, five groups of six LEADers each were formed. Each group was paired with a “Project Champion”, a woman expert who mentored them throughout the project period. The groups designed and implemented projects addressing a range of social issues from a gendered perspective, including climate justice, entrepreneurship, menstrual health, political inclusion, and STEM education. They not only raised awareness but also engaged peers, collaborated with stakeholders, and carried out localized interventions, proving that youth leadership can drive impactful change at the grassroots level.

The initiatives implemented by the LEADers demonstrated not only creativity and purpose but also meaningful community engagement. One group led a project on climate justice that combined a tree plantation program with sustainable farming training, reaching 25 women between the ages of 15 to 40 in a semi-urban community. Another group focused on economic empowerment by conducting interactive workshops on entrepreneurship and digital marketing for over 40 students in Grade 12, equipping them with foundational skills to explore future careers or business ventures. A third team addressed menstrual taboos and the lack of inclusive menstrual education by organizing a panel discussion featuring diverse voices and hosting interactive games like Period Bingo and Facts vs. Myths, engaging 21 participants of various gender identities. A different group tackled the gender gap in STEM by organizing a speed mentoring session, where 27 youth, primarily young girls, interacted with women professionals from different technology backgrounds, encouraging them to consider careers in science and tech. Lastly, another group focused on political inclusion by hosting group discussions on key policy issues such as red tax, unpaid care work, maternity leave, and the legal age of consent. This project engaged 19 young women aged 16 and above in critical conversations around gender, politics, and leadership. Each of these projects translated the LEADers’ knowledge into action and demonstrated how young women can lead transformative change by addressing structural barriers in their communities.

On June 5, 2025, all five groups showcased their projects at a special event hosted by Women LEAD Nepal. Each team shared their journey, from research and planning to fieldwork and implementation, highlighting how mentorship and collaboration shaped their work. Many LEADers reflected on how stepping into leadership roles pushed them out of their comfort zones and helped them find their voice. These presentations were a powerful reminder of how young changemakers can turn theory into real-world impact.

This momentum carried into one of the most significant events of the year, our Symposium and Graduation Ceremony, held on June 28, 2025. Themed “Re-thinking Learning, Re-imagining Possibilities”, this year’s ceremony was both a celebration of achievement and a call to envision a new kind of leadership for Nepal. The event honored the journeys of our 2024 LEADers and YWPLC Fellows- participants of our long-term flagship programs- LEAD and YWPLC Course. With beaming parents, guardians, mentors, friends, alumni, board members, and partners in attendance, the room radiated a collective sense of pride and hope for the future.

The day featured two powerful panel discussions: Today's Education: Learning, Inclusion, and Possibility and Participants’ Experiences From Basbariya to Duradanda, offering critical insights into the evolving landscape of education, inclusion, and young women’s lived experiences across Nepal. These conversations challenged conventional notions of learning and urged us to imagine an education system that goes beyond textbooks, one that nurtures critical thinking, civic responsibility, and the courage to lead with integrity.

The Graduation Ceremony stood as a testament to everything Women LEAD Nepal believes in: that when young women are given the tools, space, and encouragement to lead, they create ripple effects far beyond themselves. As each graduate received their certificate and stood on stage, they carried with them a year's worth of growth, learning, and transformation. With this graduation, the 2024 LEADers now proudly join our growing network of alumni, young women who continue to lead with courage, compassion, and vision, both within Nepal and on global platforms.

Following the successful completion of the 2024 Leadership Institute (LI), we continued empowering young women through mentorship and leadership development. The process began in September with our team carefully reviewing all 30 LEADers' profiles, aspirations, and leadership styles to create ideal matches with mentors from our dedicated alumni network. Each LEADer receives two critical support systems: an alumni mentor for year-long guidance, and a Co-LEAD partner for immediate collaboration. 

The pivotal moment came on October 26 at our Mentor-Mentee and Co-LEAD Pairing Ceremony - but not before crucial preparations. Mentors attended a special orientation to refine their coaching skills, while LEADers participated in their own session to prepare for the mentorship journey. This intentional approach ensured each pair began with shared expectations when we revealed the matches (both mentor and co-lead) at the ceremony, where 30 young women leaders were connected with their alumni mentors - experienced advocates committed to guiding them through the year ahead.

Mentorship is a cornerstone of our program, and this year, we paired all 30 LEADers. For 67% of women worldwide, mentorship isn’t just helpful, it’s transformative. According to Development Dimensions International (DDI), it’s one of the most powerful tools for career advancement. Our alumni mentors deliver this value through personalized support, helping participants navigate challenges, set goals, and build confidence as they step into leadership roles, while Co-LEAD partnerships provide immediate collaborative experience. These alumni mentors bring invaluable lived experience, creating a powerful cycle of guidance. 

While mentorship relationships deepened, another powerful transition was occurring. These same LEADers stepped into classrooms across Kathmandu and Lalitpur as facilitators for the School Leadership Program (SLP). The School Leadership Program is the second leg of the year-long LEAD Course that will culminate in a graduation ceremony on April 5. LEADers were equipped with skills and knowledge to impart sessions to Class 9 girls and boys on various topics like leadership, followership, teamwork, civic engagement, etc. After a 3-day orientation (November 12–14) and a school-matching period (November 15–December 15), these young leaders delivered 10 sessions across 13 Kathmandu/Lalitpur schools. Their workshops—including two expert-led alumni sessions—covered leadership, civic engagement, gender equality, and more, reaching 242 students (70% girls, 30% boys) from December 2024 to March 2025.

As we prepare to celebrate the accomplishments of this year's SLP participants at our graduation ceremony, we first paused to listen deeply to the SLP experiences of the students. On March 22, we held the first of two planned Focus Group Discussions with SLP students across our partner schools, with a second session scheduled for March 29.These discussions help us understand students' experiences in the SLP, including what they've learned, the unexpected challenges, and how they've grown. 

Women LEAD Nepal's approach goes beyond leadership training - we build sustainable networks where leaders support leaders. And this year’s cohort has proven once again that when you invest in one young woman, you ignite change far beyond what any single program can measure.