On Sunday, three women became the main topic of discussion across Nepal’s social media and political circles.
Sushila Karki, 73, has become Nepal’s 42nd and first woman Prime Minister. She is already well known as the country’s first female Chief Justice in 2016. Back then, an impeachment attempt against her—believed to be due to her tough stance on corruption—made her even more popular. Now, her sudden appointment as Prime Minister has once again drawn national attention.
Former Education Minister Sumana Shrestha also came into the spotlight. At Karki’s swearing-in ceremony, she warmly congratulated the new Prime Minister. Soon after, she announced her resignation from the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), saying she could no longer support the leadership’s repeated mistakes. She called on other young and reform-minded leaders in different parties to either push for change within or leave and join the side of reform. Her bold step is being seen as a rare and courageous move in Nepali politics.
Meanwhile, Sabita Bhandari made history as the first woman to be appointed Attorney General of Nepal.
These three developments—Karki’s appointment, Shrestha’s party exit, and Bhandari’s new role—show that women are taking stronger and more visible positions in Nepal’s politics. Many observers believe these events also highlight people’s growing frustration with old political practices and their hope for accountability and change.
