Empowering Changemakers: Immersion Visits to Bhaktapur Municipality and European Union Office

This year's EmpowHER Junior (EJ) program took a powerful turn as we embarked on an immersion visit to Bhaktapur Municipality and the European Union Office in Nepal. Our goal? To connect our young changemakers with inspiring women around them and create a space where they lead.

Stop 1: Bhaktapur Municipality

Our journey began in the heart of Bhaktapur, a city steeped in rich history and cultural heritage. We were warmly welcomed by the Deputy Mayor of Bhaktapur Municipality, Rajani Joshi, who provided insights into her leadership journey, challenges, and the municipality's efforts toward implementing policies and programs for young girls and women and cultural preservation.

Key Learnings:

• Gained valuable perspectives on the leadership journey of Deputy Mayor Rajani Joshi, including the challenges she faces in her role.
• Learned about the municipality's efforts in developing and implementing policies and programs specifically designed to support young girls and women.
• Learned about the rich culture of Bhaktapur and what the municipality is doing to preserve it.

Stop 2: European Union Office in Nepal

During our visit to the European Union Office in Nepal, we had the opportunity to meet Eloisa Astudillo Fernandez, the Deputy Head of Cooperation at EUD Nepal. She shared insights about her career with the EU and highlighted the European Union's dedication to aiding Nepal in achieving its development objectives.

Key Learnings:

• Leadership involves recognizing and valuing other people, as highlighted by Eloisa Astudillo Fernandez through her experiences.
• The EU is dedicated to supporting Nepal's development goals, ensuring sustainable and inclusive growth.
• The EU has implemented various projects focused on empowering youth in Nepal.

The Road Ahead

The immersion visit catalyzed our EJ 2024 changemakers. Armed with new knowledge and inspired by the dedication of others, they are now equipped to:

• Develop action plans to address challenges in their communities, drawing inspiration from the learnings of the day.
• Become advocates for positive change, sharing their experiences and inspiring others to join the movement.

EmpowHER Junior is committed to nurturing the next generation of changemakers. This immersion visit was a testament to the power of learning, collaboration, and inspiration. We are excited to see the positive impact our EJ participants will have on their communities!