Post by : Meena Ariff

Nepal has witnessed a historic moment. Eminent jurist Sushila Karki has become the country’s first woman prime minister. At the age of 73, she took oath as interim leader on Friday evening after being chosen by youth-led Gen Z protest groups. These groups had just overthrown what they saw as a corrupt political order.

Her appointment is not only historic but also symbolic. Karki has been known for her strong anti-corruption stance and her clean public image. For many young people who demanded change, she represents honesty, justice, and the possibility of a new beginning for Nepal.

How She Was Chosen

On Wednesday, Gen Z protesters first named her as their preferred choice for interim prime minister. But the decision was not immediate. There were long negotiations involving Nepal’s President Ran Chandra Paudel, the Army Chief, and representatives of the protest groups.

The protesters had also discussed other names. Among them were Balendra Shah, better known as Balen, the 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu and a rapper-turned-politician; and Kulman Ghising, 54, former head of the Nepal Electricity Authority who became famous for ending long hours of power cuts.

After days of talks, the final decision went in favor of Sushila Karki. She was sworn in around 9 p.m. local time in Kathmandu.

Her Main Goal as PM

Karki has made it clear that she does not want to hold on to power for long. Her main task is to guide Nepal into fresh elections. She has said she would like to conduct those elections within six months to a year.

This gives her role a clear focus: to act as a caretaker leader, stabilize the country after violent protests, and prepare the ground for a new democratic government chosen by the people.

From Chief Justice to Prime Minister

Sushila Karki already made history once when she became Nepal’s first woman Chief Justice in 2016. She served until 2017 and is still the only woman to have held that position.

During her time as Chief Justice, she was known for her zero-tolerance stance on corruption. Her decisions earned her respect among the people, especially the young population frustrated with political corruption.

Her popularity grew even when the government tried to remove her. Lawmakers filed an impeachment motion in 2017, accusing her of bias. She was suspended temporarily but returned to complete her full term. That episode made her even more of a symbol of independence and courage.

Early Life and Education

Sushila Karki was born on June 7, 1952, in Biratnagar, a city near Nepal’s border with India. She is the eldest of seven children in her family.

Her education reflects both Nepalese and Indian influences. She completed her Bachelor of Arts degree at Mahendra Morang Campus in Nepal in 1972. She then went to India and earned a Master’s degree in Political Science from Banaras Hindu University in 1975. Later, she studied law at Tribhuvan University in Nepal, completing her Bachelor of Laws in 1978.

Legal Career

She began her legal career in 1979. Over the years, she gained experience and respect in Nepal’s legal circles. By 2007, she had become a senior advocate.

In January 2009, she was appointed as an ad-hoc judge in the Supreme Court of Nepal. Just a year later, in 2010, she became a permanent judge.

Her career reached its peak in July 2016 when she became Nepal’s first female Chief Justice. Her leadership in the judiciary showed her determination to fight corruption and strengthen the rule of law.

The Gen Z Protests That Brought Her to Power

The protests that brought down the old government were unique in Nepal’s history. They were largely organized by young people, many from Generation Z, who were fed up with corruption, social media bans, and misrule.

These protests spread quickly across Kathmandu and other major cities. The anger of the people boiled over after the government banned several social media platforms. For young Nepalese, already frustrated with unemployment, inequality, and corruption, this was the last straw.

The protests turned violent. More than 30 people died, and over 1,000 were injured. Eventually, the pressure forced Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to resign on Tuesday. His coalition government collapsed, leaving a power vacuum.

Why Karki?

In the leaderless protest movement, there was confusion about who should take charge. Many names were debated, but Sushila Karki stood out.

She is not part of the old political elite. She has no direct links to the corruption scandals that have tainted Nepal’s leaders for decades. Her record as Chief Justice made her a figure of integrity.

For the protesters, she was a safe choice — respected, experienced, and free of corruption. For the President and the Army, she was also acceptable because she has the skills to lead without threatening stability.

Her India Connection

Karki’s link to India comes through her education. She studied at Banaras Hindu University (BHU), one of India’s most respected institutions. Her time there shaped her understanding of law and politics, and she has maintained intellectual and cultural ties with India since then.

This connection also matters diplomatically. India and Nepal share close cultural, historical, and economic links. Having a leader with a strong India connection could help improve bilateral ties at a time of political uncertainty.

Challenges Ahead

Though she has the support of Gen Z groups and the approval of the President and military, Karki faces many challenges.

Restoring Stability – After weeks of protests and violence, Nepal needs calm. Karki will have to rebuild trust in government institutions.

Preparing Elections – Organizing free and fair elections in six months to a year is a huge task, requiring political consensus and strong management.

Managing the Economy – The protests and instability have hurt Nepal’s economy. Tourism, one of the biggest industries, has suffered.

Balancing Politics – Karki will have to deal with political parties that may resist her reforms or try to undermine her caretaker government.

Why This Matters for Women in Nepal

Karki’s appointment as Nepal’s first woman prime minister is historic not just for the country, but for the region. Nepal has had women in important positions before, including the presidency, but the prime minister’s post remained male-dominated until now.

Her success will inspire future generations of women in Nepal and South Asia to aim for leadership positions. For the young protesters who pushed for her appointment, it is also a sign that women’s voices can shape the country’s future.

The Road Ahead

Sushila Karki’s leadership will be closely watched. She has promised to remain neutral and fair, just as she was during her judicial career. For Nepal, this is a chance to break away from decades of corrupt politics and move toward a cleaner, more accountable system.

But the challenges are huge. The protests showed how deep public anger runs. If the elections are not organized well, or if the old political elite regains control, frustration could rise again.

Conclusion

Nepal stands at a crossroads. With Sushila Karki as its first woman prime minister, the country has taken a bold step into new territory. She brings experience, honesty, and a focus on clean governance.

Her main mission will be to prepare Nepal for free elections and ensure that the demands of the young protesters — justice, fairness, and an end to corruption — are not ignored.

Whether she can succeed will decide not just her legacy, but also the future of Nepal’s democracy. For now, she represents hope in a nation hungry for change.