Dear friends, colleagues, and fellow Nepalis,

Nepal stands at a crossroads — socially, politically, and morally. As we confront the challenges of this century, the deepest crisis we face is not merely political instability, nor the clash of personalities — it is the persistence of patriarchy and exclusion in our society
.
When leadership is defined only by men, we see the same patterns repeated: voices unheard, potential untapped, and identities rendered invisible. In this so called new political alignment, we are once again watching the drama of power played out by men — while women, gender diverse people, and LGBTQIA+ communities remain on the margins. This is not transformation. This is patriarchy with a different face.

Nepal’s future will not be built by excluding half of its population from decision making. Women, queer people, Third gender people, non binary people, and all gender minorities must not simply be included — they must lead.

Leadership is not defined by gender; it is defined by vision, integrity, empathy, and courage.

We cannot wait for “reform later.” History teaches us that when movements postpone gender equality in the name of expediency, equality never comes. When women and gender minorities are told to “wait” — for revolution, for stability, for recovery — the system only becomes more entrenched.

Our society has conditioned many women to seek approval before stepping forward. We have rewarded loyalty and silence, not leadership. We have applauded support, but rarely celebrated initiative.

But this must change.

Women are invited to clap, not to command. Gender diverse people are seen as symbolic rather than essential. This is not just unfair — it is a waste of our nation’s greatest resource: human potential.

Empowering women and LGBTQIA+ communities is not a special interest — it is a matter of national priority.True democracy and sustainable development cannot flourish without the full participation of all people, regardless of gender identity or expression.

Our Nation Is Being Tested — But Not Always for the Right Reasons

Today, we witness protests that turn destructive, infrastructure vandalized, and public services disrupted. Rural clinics burned. Roads blocked. Lives upended. These actions may express anger, but they often punish the most vulnerable — mothers, students, elderly citizens, low income workers — the very people we claim to defend.

When we destroy public infrastructure, we destroy opportunity:

• A child’s education,

• A mother’s access to health care,

• A family’s ability to earn a living.

This is not reform. This is self sabotage.

We must ask ourselves:

Are we fighting the system — or harming our own people?

Development Requires Vision, Not Violence

Look at countries that once faced devastation:

Japan rebuilt after nuclear destruction.

Germany emerged from genocide.

South Korea, poorer than Nepal decades ago, is now a global leader.

How?

Not through rage — through vision, discipline, education, and collective effort.

Nepal does not lack intelligence or courage — we lack unified purpose.

We cannot excise corruption by destroying infrastructure. Corruption is not only in Singha Durbar — it is in the little choices we make: the bribe paid quietly, the shortcut taken without accountability, the privileges protected quietly.

Change starts not in protest alone — it starts at home, in our actions, values, and commitments.

Who Gets to Lead Nepal?

If we truly commit to progress:

• A woman should be able to run for the highest office without doubt.

• A Third gender woman, queer individual, or non binary person should be respected as a legitimate leader.

• Diverse identities should be seen not as obstacles — but as essential voices shaping our future.

Progress means recognizing that:

Leadership is not limited to those who look, speak, or think like those in power today.

We Must Build — Not Just Complain

Nepal’s development requires:

🌱 Education — for all, without discrimination

🛠️ Work opportunities — fair and dignified

🏥 Healthcare access — universal and humane

🌍 Strategic infrastructure — including regional connectivity with neighbours

🤝 Social cohesion and respect for diversity

📈 Accountability and integrity in governance

We must stop waiting for “saviors.”

Real leadership is not about image on social media — it is about service, sacrifice, and results.

To Every Nepali — At Home and Abroad

Whether in Nepal, Australia, the Gulf, Europe, or beyond — we must ask:

Why do we flee Nepal — if not for dignity, equity, and opportunity?

If our system upheld dignity, equality, and justice — would we leave at all?

We deserve a nation where no one must choose survival over belonging.

A Final Reflection

Nepal is not merely soil and flag.

Nepal is our courage, our choices, and our collective integrity.

Let us build — not burn.

Let us listen — not just shout.

Let us act — not just react.

Nepal will rise only when every Nepali rises together.

With respect, hope, and determination,

Babi Rani Poudel

LGBTQIA+ Advocate, Health Activist, and Support Worker for Marginalized Communities

Born in Nepal — Residing in Australia