SNGP Fellows: Cohort III
In 2021, SNGP launched a fellowship in seven strategic partner municipalities to provide opportunities for young women from marginalized communities to acquire essential knowledge and skills regarding local government practices and processes. This pioneering initiative is meticulously designed to foster leadership and professionalism through capacity and skills enhancement. The one-year fellowship, implemented in coordination with the seven municipalities, aims to develop and nurture skill enhancement within marginalized communities, empowering them to pursue their career aspirations in the future.
During the fellowship, the fellows are stationed at various departments within the respective municipality offices, enabling them to receive a comprehensive, in-depth understanding of local government functions, such as service delivery, policymaking, dispute resolution, and budget and planning processes.
The program combines this operational experience with theoretical insights through learning sessions facilitated by experts to enrich the fellows’ knowledge and further develop their confidence. These sessions include topics such as federalism, local government, service delivery by the local government, gender equality, disability and social inclusion, consumer rights, women’s rights, communication skills, and so on. Through this program, SNGP actively addresses the lack of representation in local governance by empowering women from marginalized communities and creating advocates for inclusivity and diversity.
So far, three cohorts of SNGP Fellows have completed the fellowship. The first cohort graduated in August 2022, the second in October 2023, and the third set to graduate in March 2025. Candidates have been selected and onboarded for the fourth cohort of fellows.
Graduates of the program are making strides in NGOs, preparing for civil services, and aiming to proactively create a more impactful government sector. The SNGP Fellowship is breaking barriers, championing inclusivity, and nurturing a new generation of critical thinkers and leaders who are deeply committed to making a difference in their communities, and subsequently in Nepal’s governance and social sectors.
Nitu Chaudhary, Damak
Education: Bachelor of Arts (4th year, ongoing)
Nitu represents the Madhesi community, a minority group in Nepal. She is a permanent resident of Ward No. 1, Damak Municipality,
During her fellowship, she worked in Ward No. 1, registration, revenue, and the women, children, and senior citizens, education, and law section. She is grateful that the fellowship has equipped her with the skills and ideas to improve public service delivery at the municipal level. She is currently working in the revenue section of Damak Municipality.
Future Plans: She aspires to become an entrepreneur and start her own business.
“In the future, I want to run a business that promotes the traditional attire and cultural heritage of the Madhesi community. I am also committed to supporting and empowering my community in every way possible.”
Anju Gajmer, Mithila
Education: Bachelor’s in Education
Anju represents the Dalit community in Madhesh. She is a permanent resident of Ward No. 7, Mithila Municipality.
During the fellowship, she worked in registration, administration, the planning section, and the judicial committee, as well as in Wards Nos. 7 and 9. She gained practical knowledge of municipal service delivery and enhanced her leadership skills and self-confidence. Currently, she works as a Health Insurance Registration Assistant in the Health Section of Mithila Municipality.
Future Plans: Anju plans to join the civil service.
“Many marginalized communities remain unaware of the services and benefits provided by local governments. Before the fellowship, even I was unaware. Now, I actively encourage my community members to participate in the tole consultation process, visit municipal and ward offices, and ask for, and claim the benefits.”
Kanchan Katuwal, Bhimeshwor
Education: Bachelor’s in Business Studies; Diploma in Civil Engineering
Kanchan belongs to a Dalit community, one of the most marginalized communities in Nepal. She has firsthand experience of the challenges faced by her community. She is a permanent resident of Ward No. 7, Bhimeshwor Municipality.
During the fellowship, she worked in multiple municipal sections, including planning, technical, education, women and senior citizens, legal, map, and Ward No. 7. Through this experience, she has gained both theoretical and practical knowledge of service delivery, budgeting, and the income-expenditure process of local governments. She works as a sub-engineer at the Sharma-ZICG Joint Venture in the Construction and Improvement of the Malekhu-Mugling Road project.
Future Plans: She aspires to join the civil service as an engineer.
“During my time working with the local government, I witnessed service seekers returning due to technical issues within the system. In the future, I want to resolve these issues to ensure that no one leaves without the support they need.”
Puspa B.K., Waling
Education: Bachelor’s in Education
Puspa represents the Dalit community. She is a permanent resident of Ward No. 7, Waling Municipality.
During the fellowship, she worked in administration, registration, call center, women, children, and senior citizen section, and Ward No. 7. She is grateful that the fellowship provided her with an in-depth understanding of local government operations, the roles of elected representatives and bureaucrats, and an opportunity to sharpen her public speaking skills.
Future Plans: She plans to join the civil service.
“During my time at the municipality, I had the opportunity to observe and learn from provincial coordinators and civil servants. These experiences will stay with me for a lifetime.”
Alina Budhathoki, Tansen
Education: Master’s in Business Studies; Bachelor’s in Health Care Management
Alina belongs to the Dalit community, representing one of the most marginalized communities in Nepal. She is a permanent resident of Ward No. 2, Tansen Municipality.
Through the fellowship, she gained direct experience working in various municipal sections including administration, inventory, revenue, map, and ward offices, which deepened her understanding of local governance, federalism, and public service delivery. She also developed practical skills in governance, communication, and report writing.
Future Plans: She aims to build a career in the development sector, focusing on healthcare management.
“Strong governance and effective healthcare management are the pillars of sustainable development. My goal is to bridge policy and practice to create meaningful change in local communities.”
Tulsi Saru Magar, Birendranagar
Education: Master’s in Business Studies
Tulsi Saru Magar represents the Janajati community. She is a permanent resident of Ward No. 3, Birendranagar Municipality.
Through fellowship, she received diverse experience by working in the education, industry, and cooperative section, and Ward 9. Before joining the fellowship, she had limited knowledge of local government functions. The fellowship provided her with an opportunity to understand the local government’s roles, responsibilities, and processes.
Future Plans: Tulsi plans to join the civil service or pursue a career in social work.
“While working with the local government, I realized that many senior citizens are unaware that they need to renew their old age allowance. At times, service providers would become frustrated when elderly individuals struggled to understand the process. If I become a civil servant, I want to simplify these processes. Even if I can’t simplify the process, I will make an effort to patiently guide senior citizens in the process and ensure they receive the support they need without confusion or distress.”
Shreedevi Chaudhary, Tikapur
Education: Master’s in Social Science
Shreedevi represents the Tharu community. She is a permanent resident of Ward 6, Tikapur Municipality.
During the fellowship, she worked in the women, children, and senior citizens section, the map section, and Ward No. 1. Through this experience, she gained knowledge about the documentation process in service delivery and improved her Nepali typing skills. After the fellowship, she worked as a Field Coordinator for the Parichayako Pahun initiative under the U.S. Embassy Youth Council Nepal.
Future Plans: She is currently preparing for the civil service examination.
“Service delivery is still not fully accessible to senior citizens and people with disabilities. If I become a civil servant in the future, I will work to make services more inclusive and accessible for all.”