These five women ministers bring hands-on experience and real-world expertise, from hospital wards to courtrooms and social enterprises. Their appointment marks a historic step toward inclusion.
Women ministers of Nepal
In a fresh wave of change and youth-driven politics, Prime Minister Balendra Shah (Balen) has sworn in a 15-member Council of Ministers, where five women have claimed key positions.
President Ram Chandra Paudel administered the oath of office and secrecy on Friday, officially launching the new ministers into their roles.
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Here’s a closer look at the women shaping Nepal’s future.
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Sobita Gautam, appointed Minister for Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs, brings blend of youth activism, legal expertise, media experience to the cabinet.
A member of Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), Gautam was elected to House of Representatives in 2022 from Kathmandu 2. Before politics, she hosted “Swasthya Sarokar” on Nepal Television for over four years, focusing on health issues.
Her activism extends to reproductive health; she has previously written about regulating assisted reproductive technology in Nepal. Following Gen Z-led protests after the formation of an interim government in March, she announced her candidacy from Chitwan 3 and emerged victorious.
The Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration is now under the stewardship of Pratibha Rawal, a 32-year-old journalist-turned-politician from Sudurpashchim.
Rawal’s career spans nearly decade in journalism, including stints at South Asia Check, Republica daily, and Galaxy 4K Television, where she hosted the popular program “Lalmohar”.
Born in Aithpur, Bhimdatta Municipality-6, Kanchanpur, Rawal transitioned into politics after the formation of the RSP.
Social work and activism are the calling cards of Sita Badi, who has been appointed Minister for Women and Children. Representing Dalit community, Sita Badi has spent years empowering disadvantaged groups.
Her enterprise in Chunikhel produces and sells handicrafts. It creates employment opportunities for women and fostering financial independence. Badi’s work is example of how small-scale entrepreneurship can have broad societal impact.
The Ministry of Health and Population has new captain in Nisha Mehta, who has journeyed from front-line nursing to policy-making. Born in Inaruwa, Sunsari, Mehta’s early years were spent caring for patients.
She earned her master’s degree in nursing from Gwalior, India, and worked as a clinical nurse at BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences in Dharan for almost three years. Later, she transitioned into teaching at Birat Medical College.
Mehta’s husband, Dr Saroj Singh Kosi, serves as Deputy Superintendent of Police and heads a provincial hospital. Since the RSP’s formation, Mehta has been an active member, and for the past four years, she has been part of the party’s central committee.
Handling Agriculture, Livestock Development, and Forest and Environment, Gita Chaudhary is a 33-year-old advocate from Shuklaphanta Municipality-4, Kanchanpur. Elected under proportional representation shortly before the elections, she brings both legal expertise and social advocacy to Parliament.
Chaudhary has fought social discrimination and systemic hurdles as member of the Tharu community. From arguing cases in court to advocating for justice on the streets, she has now stepped into the national legislature. Here she aims to influence policy on agriculture, environment, and community welfare.
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