By Stuti Reuben Rai | MEAL & Development Associate
Following the successful completion of the 2024 Leadership Institute (LI), we continued empowering young women through mentorship and leadership development. The process began in September with our team carefully reviewing all 30 LEADers' profiles, aspirations, and leadership styles to create ideal matches with mentors from our dedicated alumni network. Each LEADer receives two critical support systems: an alumni mentor for year-long guidance, and a Co-LEAD partner for immediate collaboration.
The pivotal moment came on October 26 at our Mentor-Mentee and Co-LEAD Pairing Ceremony - but not before crucial preparations. Mentors attended a special orientation to refine their coaching skills, while LEADers participated in their own session to prepare for the mentorship journey. This intentional approach ensured each pair began with shared expectations when we revealed the matches (both mentor and co-lead) at the ceremony, where 30 young women leaders were connected with their alumni mentors - experienced advocates committed to guiding them through the year ahead.
Mentorship is a cornerstone of our program, and this year, we paired all 30 LEADers. For 67% of women worldwide, mentorship isn’t just helpful, it’s transformative. According to Development Dimensions International (DDI), it’s one of the most powerful tools for career advancement. Our alumni mentors deliver this value through personalized support, helping participants navigate challenges, set goals, and build confidence as they step into leadership roles, while Co-LEAD partnerships provide immediate collaborative experience. These alumni mentors bring invaluable lived experience, creating a powerful cycle of guidance.
While mentorship relationships deepened, another powerful transition was occurring. These same LEADers stepped into classrooms across Kathmandu and Lalitpur as facilitators for the School Leadership Program (SLP). The School Leadership Program is the second leg of the year-long LEAD Course that will culminate in a graduation ceremony on April 5. LEADers were equipped with skills and knowledge to impart sessions to Class 9 girls and boys on various topics like leadership, followership, teamwork, civic engagement, etc. After a 3-day orientation (November 12–14) and a school-matching period (November 15–December 15), these young leaders delivered 10 sessions across 13 Kathmandu/Lalitpur schools. Their workshops—including two expert-led alumni sessions—covered leadership, civic engagement, gender equality, and more, reaching 242 students (70% girls, 30% boys) from December 2024 to March 2025.
As we prepare to celebrate the accomplishments of this year's SLP participants at our graduation ceremony, we first paused to listen deeply to the SLP experiences of the students. On March 22, we held the first of two planned Focus Group Discussions with SLP students across our partner schools, with a second session scheduled for March 29.These discussions help us understand students' experiences in the SLP, including what they've learned, the unexpected challenges, and how they've grown.
Women LEAD Nepal's approach goes beyond leadership training - we build sustainable networks where leaders support leaders. And this year’s cohort has proven once again that when you invest in one young woman, you ignite change far beyond what any single program can measure.
By Priyanka Basnet | Development and Fundraising Coordinator
By Priyankana Bastola | Communications Coordinator
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