On 12
September 2025, Nepal made history by appointing Sushila Karki as
its first woman Prime Minister (interim). Her selection came in the wake of
mass youth-led protests, widely driven by Gen Z, demanding transparency,
accountability, and an end to corruption.
Personal Background & Lifestyle
- Date of
Birth:
7 June 1952
- Place:
Shankarpur-3, Biratnagar, Morang District, Eastern Nepal — eldest among
seven siblings, raised in a farming family.
- Family &
Personal Life:
She is married to Durga Prasad Subedi, who was involved in youth
politics (Nepali Congress) and is known for political activism. They met
during her student days at Banaras Hindu University.
- Lifestyles
& Values:
Known for modest living, integrity, discipline, and a life oriented around
public service rather than political gain. Her public persona emphasizes
fairness, courage under pressure, and respect for democratic norms. She
has authored books — Nyaya (her autobiography) and Kara,
inspired by her own experiences.
Education & Professional Career
|
Level |
Degree / Field |
Institution |
Year(s) |
|
Bachelor of
Arts |
General Arts |
Mahendra Morang
College, Tribhuvan University |
~1971-72 |
|
Master’s in
Political Science |
PolSci |
Banaras Hindu
University (BHU), India |
1975 |
|
Bachelor of
Laws (LLB) |
Law |
Tribhuvan
University |
1978 |
Her professional
journey:
- 1980s: Began
teaching-assistant role at Mahendra Multiple Campus, Dharan (around 1985)
before moving fully into legal practice.
- 1979: Started
law practice in Biratnagar.
- Senior
Advocate:
Recognised as a senior advocate in 2007.
- Supreme
Court Judge:
Appointed ad-hoc judge in 2009, became permanent judge in November 2010.
- Chief
Justice:
On 11 July 2016, she became Nepal’s first female Chief Justice,
serving till 6 June 2017. Her tenure was marked by high-visibility rulings
against corruption and abuse of authority.
How She Became Prime Minister — Gen Z Protests & Interim Appointment
- In September
2025, widespread protests erupted across Nepal. The Gen Z movement was
central: young people were enraged by issues like corruption, nepotism,
suppression of freedom (including a ban on social media), and lack of
accountability.
- Protesters
demanded not just policy changes but also systemic reform. During this
unrest, Sushila Karki emerged as a candidate whom Gen Z backed in an
online vote (on the app Discord) as the preferred leader for an interim
government.
- Prime
Minister K. P. Sharma Oli resigned amid the crisis, and major
stakeholders including the President and the Army Chief entered
deliberations. Sushila Karki, with her strong judicial reputation,
anti-corruption record, and public respect, was viewed as a neutral yet
strong figure acceptable to many sides.
- On 12
September 2025, she was sworn in as interim Prime Minister,
making history as the first woman to lead Nepal’s government.
Significance & Challenges Ahead
Sushila Karki’s
appointment represents more than just a symbolic win for gender equality. She
embodies a potential shift in Nepal’s governance: from entrenched political
patronage to meritocracy, from opaque power structures to accountability, and
from youth frustration to hopeful leadership.
At the same time,
she faces serious challenges: navigating political factions, delivering reform
under pressure, managing public expectations (especially of young people), and
ensuring that the transition stays peaceful and constitutional. The real test
will be whether her interim government can restore trust, conduct fair
investigations, and set the stage for stable elections and democratic renewal.
Disclaimer
This article is prepared using publicly available information from reliable news outlets and reference sources. It is intended for educational and informational purposes only. All facts such as dates, positions, and events are based on verified reports. No copyright infringement is intended, and all views expressed are presented in an objective and professional manner.
