Kathmandu - In a historic moment for Nepal’s democratic journey, Sushila Karki has officially taken the oath of office as the first female Prime Minister of the country. The oath ceremony was administered today by President Ramchandra Poudel, marking a new chapter in Nepal’s political leadership.
Karki, who had already carved her name in history as Nepal’s first female Chief Justice, now assumes the premiership 75 years after the advent of democracy in Nepal. Her elevation represents a milestone not only for gender representation in politics but also for the nation’s ongoing democratic transformation.
Born in Biratnagar, the 73-year-old leader studied at Banaras Hindu University in India and Tribhuvan University in Nepal before entering the legal profession. At a time when women pursuing law and advocacy was considered rare, Karki broke barriers with her dedication. She practiced law in Biratnagar and Dharan for over three decades before being directly appointed to the Supreme Court, where she eventually rose to become Chief Justice.
Her judicial tenure was marked by challenges, including a backlog of pending cases, a shortage of judges, and the administrative demands of implementing Nepal’s new constitution. Despite some controversies, her leadership was largely respected by the public.
Now, with her transition into political leadership, Karki’s premiership is seen as a beacon of hope for stronger governance, judicial reforms, and women’s empowerment in Nepal. Citizens and observers alike are closely watching how her unique legal background will shape her role as head of government.