Help Young Women Break the Glass Ceiling in Nepal!

As we wrap up another transformative year at Women LEAD Nepal, our focus on alumni engagement continues to drive meaningful impact across communities. From May through December, we have hosted a series of targeted events designed to build skills, strengthen networks, and encourage active participation in leadership and governance. These initiatives have empowered our alumni to apply their experiences in real world contexts, from financial decision making to organizational stewardship. By prioritizing interactive and inclusive formats, we’ve seen increased collaboration, with alumni reporting enhanced confidence in mentoring others and contributing to community change.

Our engagement calendar from May to December emphasized practical learning and relationship- building, aligning with our mission to equip young women for sustained impact. In May, we kicked off with 2 mentor-mentee hikes on the 17th for YWPLC mentor-mentee and another on the 31st for LEAD mentor mentee to promote outdoor bonding and informal mentorship.

June brought our annual Symposium on the 28th, themed “Re-thinking Learning, Re-imagining Possibilities.” This inspiring event celebrated the achievements of the 2024 LEADers and YWPLC Fellows, bringing together proud parents, mentors, alumni, and partners in a shared moment of reflection and joy. It featured 2 powerful panels where one of the panels consisted of participants from our outreach programs aiming to showcase women’s lived experiences across diverse communities in Nepal. Key insights from the discussions emphasized that education must go beyond textbooks, fostering critical thinking, inclusion, civic responsibility, and integrity in leadership. With this, the 2024 cohort joins our expanding alumni network, creating ripple effects of empowered leadership across Nepal and beyond.

In August, we hosted a two day Financial Literacy Workshop on 30th August and 6th September led by Ms. Arpana Shiwakoti. With 17 attendees on the first day and 26 on the second day, the workshop drew a diverse group from 2013 to 2024 cohorts. With the aim of bridging knowledge gaps in investment, the sessions covered fundamental analysis on day 1- such as understanding financial statements, valuation tools like EPS and ROE, and portfolio strategies, and technical analysis on Day 2, including candlestick patterns, indicators like RSI and MACD, and entry/exit tactics.

In November, we hosted a NGO Governance Training on the 8th which was facilitated by Mr. Durga Dutta Lamsal, Section Officer at the Supreme Court, prepared 19 alumni for our AGM. It explored Nepal's NGO laws, compliance, real-world examples, and Women LEAD's structure, clarifying roles for members, board, and staff. Interactive discussions built readiness for elections and leadership.

Wrapping up the period, the inaugural Mentor-mentee Meet-Up on December 13 marked a key milestone in our mentorship program for YWPLC and LEAD Course participants. The meet-up created a safe, inclusive, and interactive space for mentors and mentees to connect, clarify expectations, and align on shared goals, values, and commitments for the year ahead. The program aimed to formally initiate mentor–mentee engagement for the year, build mutual understanding, and set a strong foundation for meaningful learning, guidance, and growth throughout the mentorship period. This year we paired a total of 45 mentors and 45 mentees.

As our alumni become mentors, investors, and leaders, they’re extending our impact far and wide. Women LEAD is committed to keeping our alumni community strong by offering more skill building workshops, meaningful networks, and spaces to grow together. We’re excited for continued growth in 2026!