“Every individual can be a very good movement maker.” #EverydayFeminism

Srijana Bastola is the Programme Co-ordinator at Womankind partner, Sankalpa. Srijana’s path into activism began as a child. Seeing her grandmother speaking about women’s rights in her role as the spokesperson for the District Committee lit a spark. 

“Feminism started from my home. My grandmother was the Chairperson of District Women’s Committee before multiparty democracy happened in Nepal – also known as the Panchayat era.  At the time, she really helped the women in our Village Development Committee.” 

“Being her granddaughter, I am fortunate because I was given equal opportunities as the sons in the family. One thing she used to keep telling me is you make your boundary by yourself. It’s not for others to come and make your boundary.” 

Inspired by her grandmother’s passion for equality, Srijana began her career in women’s rights. This led her to where she is now, working as the programme coordinator for Sankalpa.  

“I chose Sankalpa because it works for inclusion and the collective voice of women.” 

“I am lucky because I got to coordinate with a number of women from all over Nepal, all seven provinces and all groups, including marginalised Indigenous women, widows and survivors.” 

Womankind partner Sankalpa is an alliance of diverse women’s organisations that strives to give genuine space, dignity and respect to Nepali women. Its work focuses on supporting and training Sankalpa’s network in leadership, intersectionality and feminism, all with the view to strengthening the feminist movement in Nepal.  

In Cycle 1 of Womankind’s Movement Strengthening Fund, Sankalpa organised Intergenerational Feminist Leadership training. In the Nepal elections of November 2022, Sankalpa worked with women so they could effectively lead and bring issues affecting them to parliament. 

“We support the next generation of feminist leaders – existing feminist leaders and emerging feminist leaders, so they can have a sharing approach and unite in a place and learn together.” 

“Every day there is learning in feminism here.” 

Srijana believes age doesn’t matter when it comes to women’s activism. “Women have that capacity to grab opportunities and take the challenge. We are ready to take challenges.” 

“Women leaders can make changes in the law, then existing feminist leaders can keep building the capacity of emerging leaders, keep enhancing their knowledge and motivating them.” 

“Be an example in the society so other women and girls can learn and take inspiration. Every individual can be a very good movement maker.” 

For Srijana, the process of leadership is an ever-continuing dialogue between existing feminist leaders, and those at the beginning of their leadership journey.  

Her work supports the cycle of feminist leadership to continue, and she is directly influencing the next generation of feminist leaders – just like her grandmother did for her. 

Sankalpa is currently continuing its work strengthening the intergenerational feminist movement through Cycle 2 of the Movement Strengthening Fund. 

Learn more about Sankalpa here.