Kathmandu, April 6
Onlinekhabar.com has unveiled its list of the “50 Influential Women of Nepal 2082.” According to Editor-in-Chief Basant Basnet, the list, which is usually released on the eve of International Women’s Day each year, was delayed this time due to the recently concluded general elections (March 5) and national responsibilities.
The list features 50 dedicated and hardworking women representing various sectors of Nepali society, including politics, social work, arts and literature, culture, youth and sports, science and knowledge, entrepreneurship, and the diaspora.
Selection process
Before finalising the list, Onlinekhabar had issued a public call for nominations. Through this open call, along with inputs from the central newsroom in Kathmandu, correspondents from all seven provinces, and experts and sources from different sectors, more than 700 names were received.
From these, an initial shortlist of over 460 names was prepared. Considering geographical and social diversity, the newsroom systematically narrowed the list down to 200, and then further to 116 based on contribution, influence, and inspiration. This final shortlist was presented to the jury.
This year’s jury was chaired by former Supreme Court Justice Meera Khadka. Other members included banking expert Barsha Shrestha, former president of the Federation of Nepali Journalists and former Onlinekhabar Editor-in-Chief Shiva Gaunle, and Editor-in-Chief Basant Basnet. The overall coordination of the process was led by Associate Editor Sudarshan Khatiwada.
At a jury meeting held on Magh 8, the final 50 names were selected based primarily on individual contribution and social impact. An additional reserve list of five candidates was also prepared in case selected individuals could not be reached or if discrepancies were found during verification. Accordingly, three names, two due to lack of contact and one due to incorrect information, were replaced by candidates from the reserve list.
“Success is measured not by the destination, but by the distance travelled”
According to Dharma Raj Bhusal, Chairperson of Onlinekhabar Pvt. Ltd., the main objective of selecting the “50 Influential Women” is to recognise and honour the contributions of women across various sectors and to document their leadership as a national achievement.
Bhusal stated that the role of today’s media is not limited to focusing on power and authority, but also to bringing the stories of ordinary people, their hard work, struggle, and dedication, into the mainstream.
He emphasised that the list does not highlight women who rose due to power, but those who broke barriers through their intellect and perseverance. “For a long time, our society tried to portray women only as victims, but these 50 faces have challenged and dismantled that narrative,” he said.
“Women as symbols of dedication and struggle”
Editor-in-Chief Basnet said women should not be confined to representations of beauty alone.
“This is the third time Onlinekhabar has unveiled the list of 50 influential women. Many have described women as symbols of beauty in songs and poetry,” he said, “but this list proves that women are symbols of dedication, struggle, and the true creators of success.”
Basnet added, “Having served on the jury myself, I can say that out of the 700 nominations received, at least 400 truly deserve recognition.”
Congratulating all women who, despite not being selected, continue to contribute to social transformation, Basnet expressed commitment to include more new faces in the coming years.
Referring to the recently concluded elections, he also remarked, “An interesting aspect this year is that many of those present here had filled out online applications for the ‘50 Influential Women’ list. Those applications are still safely stored with us.”
He added, “However, congratulations to all of you in another sense as well—the nation itself has recognised you as its representatives.”
This is the third edition of Onlinekhabar’s “50 Influential Women.”
Here is the list of 50 Influential Women of Nepal:
Rina Kumari Sah – Mayor
Mayor Rina Kumari Sah has transformed Maulapur in Rautahat into a smoke-free and tax-free municipality, setting an inspiring model of development. Her initiatives range from preventing female foeticide to providing bicycles for schoolgirls and free ambulance services.
Sharda Kumari Paudel – Principal
Sharda Kumari Paudel is the first female principal of Durbar High School, Nepal’s oldest school, after 172 years of male leadership. She increased student enrollment from 71 to 1,100, setting a strong example in public school reform.
Raksha Bam – Youth Activist
Raksha Bam is a bold young activist who questions discrimination and advocates for justice. She has consistently raised her voice for victims, from street protests to broader youth movements.
Sangam Mahato and Laxmi Mahato – Environmental Justice Advocates
The sisters fought for justice after their brother was killed while resisting illegal extraction and environmental destruction in the Chure region. Sangam has since passed away, but their struggle continues to symbolise environmental resistance.
Tanuja Pandey – Youth Activist
Having grown up amid conflict, Tanuja Pandey led campaigns from the streets to the Supreme Court to protect Nijgadh forest. She remains a fearless and independent voice in civic activism.
Roshna Thapa – Disaster Responder
Roshna Thapa joined the police, aspiring to be a footballer, but became a leading disaster rescue expert. She not only conducts rescues but also trains others in emergency response.
Lila Thapa – Community Health Volunteer
Lila Thapa became a symbol of dedication after carrying an elderly woman on her back for the COVID-19 vaccination. Her story represents the commitment of thousands of female community health volunteers in Nepal.
Dr Srijana Nepal (Kunwar)– Forensic Expert
Dr Srijana Nepal heads the forensic department at Patan Hospital, uncovering causes of unnatural deaths and contributing to justice through scientific investigation.
Dr Kalpana Shrestha – Nephrologist
Inspired by patients unable to afford treatment, Dr Kalpana Shrestha became a nephrologist and now leads a major organ transplant centre, setting standards in Nepal’s healthcare sector.
Yamuna Shrestha – Business Leader
Once an employee, Yamuna Shrestha is now the owner of Cimex Inc., the company importing BYD vehicles to Nepal. She has positioned BYD as a leading automobile brand in the country.
Janaki Kumari Pujara – Auxiliary Nurse Midwife
Janaki Kumari Pujara saved a newborn’s life by providing continuous breathing support for six hours in a remote village of Baitadi, demonstrating extraordinary dedication.
Dr Aakriti Bharati – IVF Specialist
Managing Director of Vatsalya IVF, Dr Aakriti Bharati, has helped over 1,800 women experience motherhood, inspired by her grandmother’s struggles with infertility.
Uma Subedi – Writer
Uma Subedi writes powerful narratives of women’s identity and struggles, reflected in her works such as Toda, Iti, Sayaun Putali, and Paridhi.
Rashila Tamang – Trail Runner & Environmental Activist
Rashila Tamang rose to international recognition in trail running and uses her earnings to plant thousands of fruit trees in her hometown, combining sport with environmental activism.
Gita Paudel – Blind Cricket Captain
Gita Paudel led Nepal’s blind cricket team to a World Cup runner-up finish, defeating strong teams like Australia and Sri Lanka, redefining the meaning of vision and determination.
Padma Kumari Gurung – Entrepreneur & Trainer
Padma Kumari Gurung turned traditional skills into a business, employing hundreds of women. She exports woollen products to Europe while managing a large livestock farm.
Rewati Gurung – Entrepreneur
Rewati Gurung defied social barriers to pursue higher education and built ‘Kokroma’ into a successful brand with an annual turnover of Rs 20 million.
Revita Shrestha – CEO, ACP
Starting as an employee, Revita Shrestha is now the CEO of ACP, promoting Nepali handicrafts globally while empowering marginalised women.
Shubhangi Rana and Jesselina Rana – Social Entrepreneurs
Through “Pad2Go,” they advocate menstrual health rights, ensuring sanitary products are seen as necessities, not luxuries.
Samjhana Rawal – Entrepreneur
Overcoming early marriage, conflict, and poverty, Samjhana Rawal built a successful business from scratch and is now widely known as the “viral sel roti seller.”
Sunaina Thakur – Mithila Artist
Sunaena Thakur uses Mithila art as a medium of global expression, advocating women’s empowerment through her work.
Suman Joshi – Energy Sector Leader
An executive member of the Independent Power Producers Association of Nepal (IPPAN), Suman Joshi left a banking career to lead investments in Nepal’s hydropower sector, becoming a notable figure in energy development.
Nanda Kumari Thapa – Journalist & Deputy Mayor
Starting with a small salary in radio journalism, she rose to become Deputy Mayor of Badimalika Municipality, advocating for marginalised communities.
Neera Adhikari – Under Secretary
Despite losing her eyesight at age three, Neera Adhikari pursued higher education and became an Under Secretary in civil service, inspiring many visually impaired individuals.
Kaushila Pudasaini – Ward Chairperson
Married at 14 and facing extreme hardship, Kaushila Pudasaini rose to become Ward Chairperson of Belkotgadhi Municipality-3 in Nuwakot, driven by her commitment to prevent others from facing similar struggles.
Shreena Nepal – Advocate
Shreena Nepal, who hinted at a bright future by publishing a book of poems while studying in Grade 8, has today become a powerful voice for social justice. From campaigning to remove the “pink tax” on sanitary pads to challenging the misuse of pollution tax on fuel, advocating for regulation of surrogacy and IVF, restoring the toran of Kumari Ghar, and fighting for women’s citizenship rights, she has been taking these issues to court.
Sarita Thulung – Player
After polio damaged her right leg at the age of three, society said, “What’s the point of educating her? She won’t get a job or marry!” But today, Sarita Thulung is an international wheelchair basketball and weightlifting player, an entrepreneur, and a social activist representing the nation on the global stage.
Sunita Thapa – Activist
Sunita Thapa became the first provincial assembly member from the hearing-impaired community. She has been fighting for the rights of persons with disabilities, demanding rights, not sympathy; participation, not pity; encouragement and respect, not compassion.
Prof. Dr Bijaya Pant – Professor
Orchids that bloom from Nepal’s high Himalayas to the plains of the Terai are not just flowers but a priceless treasure of biodiversity. Dr Bijaya Pant is a tireless figure who has dedicated her life to identifying, conserving, and promoting these orchids globally, including their medicinal value.
Sumitra Gayak – Activist
Sumitra Gayak, who leaves early in the morning to clean hospital floors, carries more than cleaning tools in her bag. She also carries case files of Dalit women seeking justice in police stations and courts. She is a relentless fighter against not just dirt, but also social discrimination and inequality.
Smriti Subedi – Travel Filmmaker
After completing a master’s degree in international trade and living a comfortable life in the US, Smriti Subedi was struck by a question: “Who am I?” In search of that answer, she returned to Nepal and is now a travel filmmaker telling Nepal’s stories to the world.
Shanti Shree Pariyar – Singer
At 16, Shanti Shree Pariyar arrived in Kathmandu from Rolpa with just a bag and two dreams: to sing in Dohori Sanjh and send money home. Forged through struggle, she is now a beloved figure for millions and a powerful presence in Nepali music.
Sachina Shakya – Content Creator
At a time when Nepali children were hooked on Hindi and English cartoons, Sachina Shakya launched the “Nani & Babu” YouTube channel. Today, her animated videos have become one of the most effective tools for teaching Nepali language and culture to children worldwide.
Aashma Bishwokarma – Dancer
Breaking societal norms that questioned girls dancing like boys, Aashma Biswokarma emerged as Nepal’s first B-girl dancer. Despite injuries, she has been dancing continuously for over a decade and a half, becoming a sensation among millions.
Dr Sunita Ghimire Gautam – Scientist
After spending 11 years at Japan’s largest research institute, molecular biologist Dr Sunita Ghimire Gautam could have stayed abroad comfortably. Instead, she returned to Nepal and pioneered the country’s first anti-venom and diagnostic kits, laying the foundation for self-reliance in biotechnology.
Mamta Siwakoti – Advocate
Mamta Siwakoti started her digital awareness campaign during the COVID-19 pandemic by recording legal information videos on her phone. Today, her content, explaining how to file cases, where to go, whom to meet, costs, and how to find lawyers, has reached TikTok and beyond.
Sangita Adhikari – Police
On September 9 in Dang, as government offices were burning and an angry mob moved towards the district court, police constable Sangita Adhikari stood in front of the crowd, risking her life with folded hands. Her courage saved the courthouse from destruction.
Dr Rosha Pokharel – Scientist
With a PhD in supervised machine learning algorithms, Dr Rosha became a lead data scientist at IBM (“Big Blue”). She also worked as an AI director at Centene Corporation, developing first-of-its-kind AI products, and has successfully launched over eight major AI enterprise solutions.
Shanta Nepali – Filmmaker
Shanta Nepali began her career as a journalist. Later, her journey has taken her from 7,000-meter peaks to international film festivals. Through “Women in Film Nepal,” she is empowering other women with technical skills like camera and lighting.
Asha Gautam – Director
Asha Gautam, with her magical storytelling ability, captivates millions of viewers from rural Nepal through YouTube and has become a digital superstar. Through web/TV series like Kanchi and Bhunti, rooted in local life and culture, she has won the hearts of millions, rising from a difficult past to become a digital star while creating employment for many.
Preeti Pandey Adhikari – Entrepreneur/Activist
Going beyond personal career ambitions, Preeti Pandey Adhikari founded “The Great Nepali Diaspora,” which has grown into a global professional platform connecting thousands of Nepalis. In just three years, it expanded to 50 chapters and has helped Nepali startups secure millions in funding.
Bina Kumari Rai – Entrepreneur
After hearing that someone insulted Nepali tea abroad, Bina Kumari Rai was so hurt that she left her comfortable life in the Terai and established a 500-ropani tea plantation in Morang’s Jefale hills.
Samikshya Adhikari – Singer
Entering a recording studio at just 13, Samikshya Adhikari quickly rose to fame but also faced harsh societal backlash. Despite life’s toughest storms, she remains one of the most powerful and busy singers in Nepali music.
Lucky, Dicky, and Nicky Chhetri – Entrepreneurs
These three sisters from Darjeeling, now based in Pokhara, run Three Sisters Adventure Trekking. Their organisation has empowered thousands of women, providing training and opportunities in Nepal’s trekking and mountaineering sector.
Indira Sapkota – Social Worker
Born in 1994, BS, Indira Sapkota is nearing 90, yet her energy rivals that of youth. Starting with clothes worth just Rs 18, she has spent five decades teaching sewing to thousands of women and prisoners, helping them become self-reliant while dedicating much of her earnings to social service.
Pushpa Joshi – Human Rights Activist
To rescue her brother Bipin Joshi from Hamas captivity, Pushpa Joshi travelled from the streets to state corridors, from Nepal to Israel and the US. Her courage and struggle as a young girl will be remembered in history.
Shila Bishwakarma Nepali – Entrepreneur
Once a labourer carrying stones for hospital construction in Jajarkot, Shila Nepali now processes precious stones from her homeland and sells them globally, inspiring women entrepreneurs in Karnali.
Beni Rani Ghale – Activist
Married off at just 10 years old in exchange for money and liquor, Beni Rani Ghale endured a traumatic childhood. But she rebelled against her fate and is now a successful social activist, transforming the lives of hundreds of women.
Sukun Rasaili BK – Entrepreneur
When Sukun Rasaili BK opened a hotel in Marpha, Mustang, it was dismissed as a “blacksmith’s hotel.” But through quality and cleanliness, it thrived. Today, her Apple-based products have helped brand Mustang.
Sarahana Shrestha – Politician
Having lived through Nepal’s 1990 movement and later advocating for democracy during the king’s direct rule, Sarahana Shrestha is now a state assembly member in New York, USA, defeating a long-time incumbent.
