Kathmandu, June 22
Project Abhaya concluded its Feminist Fellowship 2025, a three-day immersive program held from June 16–18 in Bhaktapur, uniting 32 dynamic young changemakers from across Nepal to reimagine leadership, justice, and power through a feminist lens. Rosetta Education International was Platinum Sponsor for the events.
The fellowship featured a lineup of sessions and speakers focused on governance, political education, intersectionality, storytelling, and grassroots feminist organizing. Each day was designed to spark critical dialogue, deepen understanding, and equip participants with tools to drive transformative change in their communities.
Former Education Minister Bidhya Bhattarai advocated for feminist pedagogy in public schools, stating, “We must rewrite the curriculum with equity at its core.” Similarly, Simrika Sharma, Head of the UN Information Center, emphasized the power of storytelling in reclaiming feminist narratives. Meena Sharma, Founder of Dignified Workplace, addressed the need for gender-inclusive policies across sectors, while Kamala Parajuli, Head of the National Women Commission, called for urgent legal reforms to better safeguard women’s rights.
Among the speakers, Kathmandu Deputy Mayor Sunita Dangol emphasized the importance of linguistic identity and cultural resilience in feminist policymaking, while Bhaktapur Deputy Mayor Rajani Joshi called for greater grassroots participation of young women in local governance.
Youth leadership remained a recurring theme, reinforced by Dujang Sherpa, President of the Nepal Student Union, who urged young people to view leadership as a responsibility, not a reward.
The final day—centered on the theme “Ideas for Liberation: Building the Feminist Future”—featured creative group pitches and a powerful closing circle. The event marked a the launch of two key documents: The Feminist Political Handbook – a living archive of tools, strategies, and stories cultivated throughout the fellowship and The Kathmandu Feminist Declaration – a youth-authored manifesto outlining ten commitments to build a more inclusive, equitable, and democratic Nepal.
Reflecting on the fellowship, Project Abhaya Founder Ishika Panta said, “This fellowship was never about creating leaders tomorrow—it was about reminding them they already are. The Kathmandu Declaration is not the end. It is the beginning of the feminist future we dare to build.”
