Girls Wanna Run! Training Nepal's Generation Next!

Women LEAD Nepal successfully concluded the 2022-2023 LEAD Course and Young Women's Political Leadership Institute with a symposium and graduation ceremony at Hotel Himalaya, Lalitpur. The event brought together accomplished leaders, aspiring change-makers, and prominent figures who share a common vision of building a more inclusive and equitable society.

Distinguished guests, including politician Binda Pandey, US Embassy Public Affairs Chief Garrett Wilkerson, Deputy Mayor of Lalitpur Manjali Shakya Bajracharya, and Secretary at the Ministry of Labour and Employment Kewal Bhandari, joined the event. The symposium featured two-panel discussions on relevant topics—namely 'Policy Dialogue: Ensuring Women's Access' with panelists Kamala Himchuri, Pukar Malla, and Maya Gurung and 'Intersectional Identities in Nepali Society,' with Sikha Pradhan, Simran Sherchan and Indu Tharu.

The symposium's highlight was the series of inspiring speeches, including a keynote address by Women LEAD Nepal's Executive Director Hima Bista, which recognized the graduates' accomplishments and encouraged them to continue their pursuit of driving positive change. The event also showcased the advocacy projects led by participants of the LEAD Course and Young Women's Political Leadership Institute—both flagship programs of Women LEAD Nepal.

With an alumni community of over 450 young women and a significant impact on more than 4,360 young people, our organization stands as one of the first leadership and professional development organizations for young women in Nepal. Our organization aims to create a better world by empowering women to become leaders and change-makers in their schools, communities, nations, and the world. We are committed to promoting gender equality and creating a Nepal where the voices of women and girls are powerful and influential and where they hold leadership and decision-making positions.

During the symposium and graduation ceremony, our Executive Director reiterated the organization's unyielding dedication to gender equality and women's empowerment. "By providing women with the necessary tools, knowledge, and support, Women LEAD Nepal strives to create a society where women have equal access to opportunities, decision-making positions, and resources," she said. Our organization believes women's full and inclusive participation is crucial for creating peaceful and inclusive societies.