A brief overview of the first woman Prime Minister of Nepal
Sushila Karki has once again made significant history in Nepal. She was already known as the first woman chief justice in Nepal, holding the position from 2016 to 2017, and has now become Nepal's first woman prime minister. After the dissolution of the former Nepalese government, Sushila Karki was appointed as interim leader on September 12, 2025. This transition represents the new hope for Nepal.
Early life and education of the first woman Prime Minister
Born
The 73-year-old Sushila Karki was born on 7th June 1952, in the eastern city of Biratnagar in Nepal. (Source)
Education
Sushila Karki graduated from Banaras Hindu University in India with a degree in political science. She also earned a law degree from Nepal's Tribhuvan University. (Source)
Legal and judicial career, the first woman Prime Minister of Nepal
Advocacy
Sushila Karki began her legal practice in 1979. She was designated as an ad hoc justice in the Supreme Court of Nepal in 2009. In 2010, she was appointed the permanent judge of the same institution 2010. (Source)
Judicial reputation
Sushila Karki stands strongly against nepotism, corruption, and political interference. She advocated for gender equality and judicial independence, along with citizenship rights for women.
The tenure as a chief justice
Historic responsibility
Sushila Karki became the first woman chief justice of Nepal in July 2016. (Source)
Remarkable decisions
Sushila Karki has delivered a notable ruling by challenging a political appointment. Mandating the appointment of a police chief based on seniority principles is one of those.
Impeachment attempt
She confronted an impeachment attempt by the former prime minister, Pushpa Kamal Dahal, also known as Prachanda, in 2017. It has been reflected as the retaliation for her ruling. Along with the other MPs, the former prime minister was almost ready to dethrone her from the topmost judicial position. (Source)
Retirement
Sushila Karki left the office in June 2017.
The youth-led unrest before selecting the first woman Prime Minister
Trigger
The KP Sharma Oli banned various social media platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, X, etc, which led to huge anger among the youth. Largely, the protest led by Gen-Z quickly expanded into the mass protests against unemployment, corruption, cronyism and the authoritarian government.
Huge violence
Many people have been killed, and most are injured. Major infrastructure, including the parliament, has been demolished.
Government crisis
The former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli came under pressure from civil society, youth and the army chief, who was forced to resign.
Selection as the interim first woman Prime Minister
Consensus candidate
Sushila Karki has been appointed as interim Prime Minister after the consultation between the Army Chief, President Ramchandra Paudel and the youth protest leaders.
Appointment
She took the responsibilities of the Prime Minister on 12th September 2025. (Source)
Aim
The first woman Prime Minister of Nepal, Sushila Karki, aims to stabilise the country, execute anti-corruption measures and Reforms, restore order and lead Nepal toward the fresh election.
Constitutional and legal questions
Constitutional debate
Many political parties have condemned the decision of the president to dissolve the parliament and appoint a retired chief justice as prime minister. They have stated it is completely unconstitutional and suppresses the democracy of the country. (Source)
Strengths and Limitations of the First Woman Prime Minister
Strengths
Reputation of integrity and moral authority is the huge strength of the first woman Prime Minister in Nepal, Sushila Karki. She is seen as a non-partisan and neutral figure. She is the symbol of women's empowerment and inclusion within the country. Moreover, she possesses a deep understanding of the judicial and constitutional processes.
Limitations
Sushila Karki is not associated with any political party base. Therefore, critics argued that she can have limited Government and executive experience. Some argued that she was selected as interim prime minister due to her advanced age rather than activist leadership.
The core objectives for an interim first woman Prime Minister
Responsibility of the interim leader
For the short-term period, Sushila Karki must work to restore the public order with minimal use of lethal force. Lifting the communication ban and restoring the internet to maintain the freedom of people would be another key responsibility in the upcoming days. She should announce an independent enquiry into the protest, abuses and deaths.
Later, the interim Prime Minister should reform the caretaker institutions like the Election Commission and the anti-corruption institution. Launching the youth employment programs like a digital start-up and skill vouchers would also be a significant move for the new Prime Minister.
The responsibilities of the newly appointed Prime Minister, along with the interim leaders, should hold a fair, free and monitored election. They must consider strengthening the digital rights, judicial Independence and the electoral laws. Last but not least, the interim leaders should provide collective efforts to revive the economy via trade initiatives, hydro power and tourism.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and is intended for general news purposes only. While care has been taken to ensure accuracy, some details may change with time. The views expressed do not represent any political bias or endorsement.