Women LEAD Nepal’s year-long, after-school LEAD Course provides an intensive experience based on practical, hands-on learning and personal growth. In the LEAD Course, young women explore their identities as leaders and change-makers. They achieve this through the following components:

1. LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE (LI): The course begins with a two-week Leadership Institute (LI) focused on developing essential skills such as public speaking, confidence building, and understanding Nepal’s most pressing issues.

2. SCHOOL LEADERSHIP PROGRAM (SLP): Following the Leadership Institute, each participant invests 300+ hours in creating change through the School Leadership Program (SLP). During this phase, they apply the skills and knowledge gained during the Leadership Institute by leading and conducting sessions for Grade 9 students in public and private schools across Kathmandu.

3. MENTORSHIP: Each participant is paired with an alumni mentor who acts as a support system during the program and gives one-on-one guidance and opportunities for personal and professional growth.

4. FIELD VISIT: This trip is designed to provide hands-on learning experiences, expose participants to new environments, and enhance their understanding of a particular subject or topic.

5. ADVOCACY WEEK: This is a week-long program that builds participants’ capacity to design and implement advocacy projects. Through targeted skill-building sessions, participants learn how to advocate effectively for various causes and create long-term, positive impact in their communities.

6. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WEEK: This week is focused on essential skills for professional development such as resume writing, cover letter writing, networking, interview preparation, and negotiation, which are critical tools needed for a successful personal and professional life.

7. GRADUATION CEREMONY: The LEAD Course concludes with a graduation ceremony for participants who complete all aspects of the program. Graduates are awarded certificates and honored in a celebration that reflects their year-long journey of growth, learning, and leadership.  

Program Duration: 1 year

Program Capacity: 30 seats

Program Fee: NPR 10,000/- payable in lump sum only after being selected for the LEAD Course. The fee covers all course materials, unlimited access to our resource center, a certificate, free lunches, and exclusive access to WLEAD events. 

Please DO NOT let financial concerns stop you from applying—partial and full scholarships available to anyone who needs financial assistance. We are committed to selecting the best applicants regardless of their financial situation. Scholarship forms will be given out after being selected for the interview.

APPLY NOW !

PROGRAM OUTLINE

The course begins with a Leadership Institute (LI), where the LEADers gain knowledge on key issues such as women’s rights, how to be a leader, how to communicate better, time management skills as well as professional skills like public speaking. The sessions are led by Nepali leaders and experts from diverse fields including media, politics, and business. The Institute includes workshops, simulations, group activities, discussions, role-plays, media, and daily reflections. LEADers also have the opportunity to meet and learn from amazing peers and accomplished leaders.

Following the Leadership Institute (LI), LEADers receive one-on-one mentoring from our alumni and spend four months applying their learning through the School Leadership Program. Each LEADer invests over 300 hours co-leading a "pay-it-forward" initiative, facilitating co-ed workshops to empower youth in public and private schools across Kathmandu.

LEADers visit government institutions around the city to gain firsthand insights into governance, policy-making, and accountability.

After the completion of SLP, LEADers engage in a week-long training on advocacy. They then design and implement advocacy projects that address pressing social issues.

This two-week workshop helps the LEADers build essential professional skills through a multidisciplinary approach, preparing them for success in their academic and career paths.

The program concludes with a graduation ceremony celebrating the accomplishments and journeys of the LEADers.

Eligibility

This is an equal opportunity program—young women from all castes, ethnicities, backgrounds, religions, abilities and sexual orientations are encouraged to apply. The basic eligibility criteria are as follows:

  • Young women entering Class 12
  • Able to attend LEAD Course programs in person from 1PM to 5PM on weekdays
  • Must commit to full participation in all program activities for the entire year: including the two-week Leadership Institute and approximately 8–10 hours per week of leadership training, professional development, and mentoring throughout the year (totaling 300+ hours)

SOME OF OUR CORE SESSIONS

  • Privilege and Bias
  • Sexual and Reproductive Health
  • Gender Stereotypes and Misrepresentation
  • Gender-Based Violence and Consent
  • Civic Engagement
  • Sex, Gender and Sexuality

Application Process

The LEAD Course has a two-step application process to ensure that the most passionate, committed, and amazing 30 young women from the entire Kathmandu Valley are selected! 

  1. Submit your application by filling out the form available at the top and bottom of this page by 20 August 2025 (4 Bhadra).
  2. Shortlisted applicants will be invited for a 30-45-minute interview with staff and alumni of the LEAD Course between 27-29 August (11-13 Bhadra). They will be notified via phone call. 
  3. We will also host a five-day-long open house event from Monday, 11 August (26 Shrawan) to Friday, 15 August (30 Shrawan) from 12-4 PM at Women LEAD Nepal Office, Bakhundole, where interested students, parents, and school representatives are welcome to attend and learn more from our staff and LEAD course alumni.

In case of any queries, call us at 9808484885, or email sujup@women-lead.org. You can also reach out via our Facebook or Instagram page.Â