Kathmandu: When nations find themselves amidst chaos, the call for a new kind of leadership becomes undeniable. In Nepal, the recent Gen Z revolution led to a political upheaval that saw the streets filled with discontent and a country at its breaking point. Amidst the turmoil, Sushila Karki emerged as a beacon of hope, becoming the nation’s first female Prime Minister.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Karki’s unexpected rise was not a result of a peaceful transition but rather a necessity born out of a crisis. This shift reflects a broader global pattern where societies, in times of distress, seek leaders who embody trust, empathy, and moral integrity-qualities often ascribed to women.
In periods of turmoil, trust becomes a scarce yet invaluable commodity. As traditional, male-dominated leadership structures falter, there is a collective turn towards women, who are perceived as agents of healing rather than symbols of traditional power. Karki’s ascent during Nepal’s political collapse is a testament to this dynamic, mirroring similar situations in other parts of the world.
The phenomenon of the ‘glass cliff’ describes how women are often placed in leadership roles during tumultuous times, only to be held to unfair standards if they fail. Karki’s leadership during Nepal’s fragile political state exemplifies this, as she faced high expectations amidst a backdrop of uncertainty. Her success would be hailed as a triumph for women, while failure could reinforce existing biases against female leadership-a global pattern seen from politics to business.
The narrative of crisis-born female leadership is not unique to Nepal. Globally, figures like Theresa May, Kim Campbell, and J³hanna Sigur°ard³ttir have risen during times of national distress. In New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern provided empathetic leadership during crises, while Angela Merkel became a steadfast figure during Europe’s challenges. Finland’s Sanna Marin also emerged as a young leader during testing times. These examples highlight that women’s leadership is often sought when existing systems reach a breaking point.
Yet, in many European nations, an evolution is occurring. Female leadership is increasingly normalized in both calm and crisis, as seen in countries like Finland, Iceland, and Denmark. These nations demonstrate that trust can be institutionalized rather than merely situational.
Crises often act as catalysts for change, forcing societies to reconsider hierarchies and open doors that stability might keep shut. Nepal’s political upheaval, driven by the Gen Z movement, allowed for Karki’s leadership. However, genuine equality demands that women be seen as leaders not only in times of emergency but also during peace.
Nepal’s journey is a reminder that while progress may stem from crisis, it should not remain dependent on it. Women across the country lead in various capacities, from climate activism to human rights advocacy, without the recognition of formal titles. True equality will be achieved when these everyday leaders are acknowledged and supported, preventing future crises from being the only avenue for women to rise to leadership.
Sushila Karki’s tenure as Prime Minister didn’t just mark a historical first for Nepal; it revealed enduring truths about leadership. Women often embody the integrity and empathy that societies yearn for during tumultuous times. However, revolutions should not be prerequisites for women’s leadership. Instead, societies must find the resolve to trust women before crises strike.
Celebrating the first woman in any high position should pave the way for many more, transforming women’s leadership from a milestone to an expected norm.