Women LEAD Nepal, a pioneering organisation dedicated to empowering young women through leadership training, 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, held on Saturday, brought together accomplished leaders, aspiring changemakers, 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 panellists 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 Executive Director Hima Bista, which recognised 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.

Ranjita Ramtel, a LEAD course graduate, expressed her gratitude for the transformative experience, stating, “At Women LEAD, I learned about public speaking, leadership, active listening, time management, civic engagement, and gender equality. I also learned to engage with social issues and work as a change maker.” Ramtel was recognised with the ‘Most Committed’ award during the ceremony, further highlighting the participants’ dedication.

With an alumni community of over 450 young women and a significant impact on more than 4,360 young people, Women LEAD Nepal stands as one of the first leadership and professional development organisations for young women in Nepal. The organisation reveals that it envisions a better world where women leaders co-create the future and become leaders and change-makers in their schools, communities, nation, and the world. Their efforts strive toward a Nepal where the voices of women and girls are powerful and influential and they occupy leadership and decision-making positions.

Bista emphasised the organisation’s unwavering commitment to gender equality and women's empowerment through events such as the symposium and graduation ceremony. “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. The organisation firmly believes that the full and inclusive participation of women is crucial in creating peaceful and inclusive societies.