By Purushottam Subedi
Kathmandu, October 4. In the present context of Nepal, where male dominance is mostly seen in decisive and top leadership roles despite increased female participation at the local level, Sunwal Municipality of Nawalparasi (Bardaghat-Susta West) has emerged as a new and exemplary model for the entire country.
With capable and experienced women holding both top positions—the political leadership (Mayor) and the administrative leadership (Chief Administrative Officer)—work execution in Sunwal has become more efficient, transparent, and result-oriented. This collaboration has delivered a positive message of good governance and inclusive leadership in local government operation at the national level.
The Only Female Mayor in the Province: Bimla Aryal, Active in the Field
Bimla Aryal is the only elected female mayor among all the municipalities and sub-metropolitan cities across the 12 districts of Lumbini Province.
Having been active in women’s empowerment, education, health, and the upliftment of underprivileged communities for a long time before entering politics from social service, Ms. Aryal’s working style is not confined to formal programs. To accelerate development activities, she remains continuously involved in field visits. She maintains effective coordination with federal ministries and various agencies to complete unfinished projects and advance new strategic initiatives.
Proving years of public trust through actions rather than speeches, Mayor Aryal says, “The trust given by the public must be proven through results, not words. The traditional mindset that women cannot lead must be changed not by speeches, but by our work and results.”
Remote Area Experience and Administrative Competence: Durga Banjade
The administrative leadership of the municipality is headed by Under Secretary Durga Banjade from the General Administration cadre. Having entered civil service as a Section Officer through the Public Service Commission in 2011 (2068 BS), Ms. Banjade was promoted to Under Secretary in 2017 (2074 BS).
Having recently transferred from the National Planning Commission to assume responsibility as the Chief Administrative Officer of Sunwal Municipality, she is regarded as an experienced, courageous, and successful administrator in civil service circles. During her nearly 15-year administrative career, she spent about a decade delivering direct public services in remote and rugged regions of the country.
Throughout her administrative tenure, she has successfully led government offices in highly remote areas of Nepal. She has skillfully handled sensitive responsibilities as the Chief District Officer (CDO) of Jumla district, and served as Assistant Chief District Officer in Palpa and Sindhupalchok. Similarly, she worked under the District Post Office in Jajarkot and successfully served in the key role of Election Officer during the second local level elections in Marin Rural Municipality of Sindhuli.
Having worked closely with the geographical complexities, limited resources, and local needs of remote areas, she possesses a strong and mature operational experience. Her extensive administrative experience, clear working style, and leadership capability have become highly reliable and exemplary for the executive members, staff, and general public of Sunwal Municipality.
Her long administrative experience, firm stance on rule compliance, and commitment to transparency have strengthened daily operational efficiency and good governance in Sunwal.
“Having a Capable Female Administrator Makes Work Much Easier”: Mayor Aryal
Mayor Bimla Aryal notes that the arrival of Durga Banjade as the administrative head has injected fresh energy into the overall development and performance of the municipality.
“Having female administrative leadership at the local level makes work much easier,” says Mayor Aryal. “On top of that, having a skilled and experienced administrator like CAO Banjade Madam—who has already proven herself successful in her previous postings—gives me added enthusiasm and ease in advancing city development projects and plans.”
Collaboration, Challenges, and Development Priorities
With Mayor Aryal’s vision in political leadership and Ms. Banjade’s strong experience in administrative leadership, significant improvements are expected in project implementation, budget discipline, and staff management in Sunwal.
Despite existing challenges, a strategy has been set to accelerate municipal development work through mutual coordination and collaboration between both leaders. Currently, Sunwal Municipality is prioritizing roads, drinking water, sanitation, education, health, agriculture, and self-employment.
This effective collaboration and execution by capable female officials at both top political and administrative levels of local government presents an excellent and inspiring model of good governance, inclusive development, and women’s leadership for Lumbini Province and the entire nation.
Conclusion
Mayor Aryal’s vision in political leadership and Chief Administrative Officer Banjade’s strong administrative experience have brought new enthusiasm to Sunwal. This leadership duo enjoys the full support, cooperation, and strong trust of the municipal executive members, employees, and local citizens alike.
Breaking the traditional mindset that often questions female leadership in local government, Sunwal Municipality has demonstrated that development is achievable through a harmonious balance between elected representatives, civil servants, and civil society. This successful collaboration, strong determination, and public support at the top level have established Sunwal as a national model for good governance, prosperity, and women’s leadership.
