Kalpa Empower Women Nepal selects 31 reps for 2nd edition of She Leads Icon

KATHMANDU: Kalpa Empower Women Nepal has selected 31 women representatives for the second edition of She Leads Icon, a programme that celebrates the achievements of women elected at local level. The organisation announced the names in a press statement on Friday, saying the initiative forms part of its Women in Politics Project to amplify the voices and leadership of mayors and deputy mayors across Nepal.

The third edition of She Leads Icon attracted 131 applications, of which 111 were formally nominated. A jury panel of senior politician Astalaxmi Shakya, communication strategist Charu Chadha and gender-equality expert Saru Joshi evaluated the nominees and shortlisted seven mayors and chairpersons alongside 24 deputy mayors and vice-chairpersons.

The successful candidates represent all seven provinces, with four each from Koshi, Gandaki, Lumbini and Karnali, and five each from Madhesh, Bagmati and Sudurpashchim.

In Koshi Province, the selected women are Pramila Rai, Deputy Mayor of Shadanand Municipality; Bipna Kulung, Vice Chairperson of Mahakulung Rural Municipality; Bishnu Kumari Limbu, Deputy Mayor of Ilam Municipality; and Sabita Rai, Vice Chairperson of Thulung Dudhkoshi Rural Municipality. In Madhesh Province, they are Vidya Devi Bhujel, Deputy Mayor of Dhanushadham Municipality; Kalpana Kumari Katuwal, Mayor of Barahathwa Municipality; Gita Chaudhary, Mayor of Surunga Municipality; Gokuli Kumari Regmi, Vice Chairperson of Thori Rural Municipality; and Rina Kumari Sah, Mayor of Maulapur Municipality. In Bagmati Province, the representatives are Sita Maya Gurung, Vice Chairperson of Netrawati Dabjong Rural Municipality; Gayatri Acharya, Vice Chairperson of Melung Rural Municipality; Mithudevi Lama, Vice Chairperson of Lisankhu Pakhar Rural Municipality; Mina Kumari Lama, Mayor of Hetauda Sub-Metropolitan City; and Bal Kumari Karki (Thapa), Deputy Mayor of Ramechhap Municipality. In Gandaki Province, the chosen leaders are Hiradevi Sharma, Chairperson of Modi Rural Municipality; Bhagwati Regmi Aryal, Deputy Mayor of Bhirkot Municipality; Padma Gurung, Deputy Mayor of Besisahar Municipality; and Chandrakala Adhikari, Vice Chairperson of Annapurna Rural Municipality. In Lumbini Province, they are Bina Kumari Bhattarai, Deputy Mayor of Thakurbaba Municipality; Huma Kumari DC, Deputy Mayor of Ghorahi Sub-Metropolitan City; Nirmaya Taramu, Vice Chairperson of Satyavati Rural Municipality; and Mina Thapa, Vice Chairperson of Sunilsmriti Rural Municipality. In Karnali Province, the nominees are Devika Kumari Singh, Deputy Mayor of Kushe Rural Municipality; Mohanmaya Dhakal Bhandari, Mayor of Birendranagar Municipality; Dharmakala Shahi, Vice Chairperson of Shubhakalika Rural Municipality; and Sita Jaisi, Deputy Mayor of Bheri Municipality. In Sudurpashchim Province, they are Jamuna Kumari Bohara, Vice Chairperson of Jorayal Rural Municipality; Sushila Shahi, Mayor of Lamkichuha Municipality; Gyanu Kumari Seti Deuba, Vice Chairperson of Ganyapdhura Rural Municipality; Dolma Tamang, Vice Chairperson of Saipal Rural Municipality; and Laxmi Dhami (Rokaya), Vice Chairperson of Adarsha Rural Municipality.

The programme calendar opens with a training session on September 1, followed by a media interaction on September 2. A grand celebration of the representatives will be held in Kathmandu from January 2 to 4, 2026, and the award ceremony is scheduled for January 6. Seven of the 31 will be declared icons based on public opinion, field reports and the jury’s evaluation.

Over the past four years, Kalpa Empower Women Nepal has driven initiatives in women’s political empowerment, health, entrepreneurship and adolescent leadership. The inaugural She Leads Icon event took place on January 3, 2024, in the presence of the Prime Minister, drawing nationwide attention to the role of women in governance.

With its second edition underway, She Leads Icon aims not only to honour outstanding local leaders but also to inspire more women across Nepal to step forward into politics and assume decision-making roles.