Change Makers: Women in Political and Social Sectors – A Project for Nepal

Project Overview

The "Change Makers: Women in Political and Social Sectors" International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) brought together six Nepalese members of parliament and party leaders to examine private and public sector initiatives and programs that encourage women's political participation and representation in public office. Meetings organized over the three-week long program also sought to illustrate the importance of mentorship in inspiring the next generation of female leaders and study the role of stakeholders in promoting women leaders. These themes were carried out in several cities including Washington, DC; Boston, MA; Concord, NH; Pensacola, FL; and Denver, CO.

While in Washington, the parliamentarians were received by members of Meridian's Global Leadership Council following a messaging workshop led by Ms. Moira Whelan of BlueDot Strategies. The members were also able to meet with U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal before traveling on to Boston for appointments with the Fenway Institute at Fenway Health, the Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts, and Dress for Success, where they observed an interactive workshop on “how to teach networking skills.” The group travelled on to Concord, where they had the opportunity to tour the State House, meet with a representative from U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen's office, and engage in a roundtable dialogue with locally elected women leaders. Their visit also included an interactive session on practical ideas for developing effective leadership skills. Pensacola brought a different perspective, as the itinerary introduced the role of women in the military and nontraditional professional fields. They also volunteered side by side with community members at the Manna Food Pantries.

Finally, the group ended their program in Denver, where they examined programs and initiatives designed to address social issues. A visit to Growing Colorado Kids demonstrated how they help refugee children and families overcome cultural isolation and adjustment through planned activities on a farm. A brief overview of Native American history at the Native American Rights Fund drew parallels between the indigenous populations of the United States and Nepal. At the end of the program, the Nepali women leaders applauded the progress that American women have made and were pleased to see women here working together to achieve common goals.

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