Eco Justice Initiatives has formed a Women Climate Champions Group in Bethanchowk Rural Municipality as part of its ongoing climate justice and community empowerment project.

The group was established during a session facilitated by Susan Sapkota, project lead at Eco Justice Initiatives, which focused on women’s leadership, climate action and community-driven environmental protection.

The initiative seeks to enhance women’s leadership in addressing climate challenges while promoting inclusive and locally led environmental governance.

Speaking at the event, Saumya Dhungel, event manager, said the initiative would strengthen women’s participation and help safeguard future generations.

The Women Climate Champions Group is led by Tara Rana Timilsina, vice president of Bethanchowk Rural Municipality, and has 22 members from diverse sectors.

Members include seven elected ward members from different wards, four government school teachers, a legal expert who also serves on the Judicial Committee, the president of a school management committee and representatives of various local stakeholder groups.

During the programme, members pledged to take proactive steps towards climate protection, environmental conservation and sustainable local action.

Crezal Thapa, co-lead of Eco Justice Initiatives, said women were among those most affected by climate change and also key drivers of solutions. Thapa said empowering women at the local level was essential for building resilient and sustainable communities.

Eco Justice Initiatives is a youth-led organisation working on climate justice, environmental protection and inclusive community engagement in Nepal, with a focus on women, youth and marginalised communities.