Nepal's Gen Z Protests Spark Hope for Women's Rights and Social Justice

The recent Gen Z protests in Nepal have sparked both violence and a renewed hope for social justice and women's rights. With the country's first female interim prime minister, filmmaker Nani Sahra Walker emphasizes the importance of prioritizing women's rights and caste equity. Her film Shakti explores the struggles of a single mother and her daughter against the backdrop of caste discrimination and gender-based violence. Walker advocates for legal reforms that directly impact survivors of abuse, highlighting the urgent need for societal change. Discover how these events are shaping the future of Nepal.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 23, 2025, 14:15 IST

A Turning Point for Nepal

The recent protests led by Gen Z in Nepal have not only resulted in violence and tragic loss of life but have also ignited aspirations for a fairer and more equitable society. For the first time in Nepal's history, the interim prime minister is a woman, marking a significant milestone. Nani Sahra Walker, a Nepali-American filmmaker whose film Shakti was showcased at the International Film Festival of India, views this development as a beacon of hope.

Walker, an Oscar-winning director originally from Kathmandu, emphasized, "This is a crucial indication, but genuine transformation hinges on how decisively these new priorities are implemented." She noted that Nepal stands at a critical juncture where leaders have the opportunity to genuinely prioritize women's rights and caste equity. "The youth are calling for improved governance, grounded in fundamental rights to safety, dignity, and justice," she added.

Exploring Social Issues Through Film

Shakti tells the story of a single mother working as a sanitation worker in a hospital and her gifted nine-year-old daughter. When Lila (Polina Oli) suffers abuse, her mother Durga (Laxmi Bardewa) faces her own traumatic past. The film delves into issues such as caste discrimination, gender violence, societal indifference towards women, and corruption.

"Women from marginalized caste backgrounds endure multiple layers of discrimination, often facing harsher and more lasting consequences," Walker explained. "Moreover, women from dominant castes are also affected by patriarchy in significant ways. Tackling these systemic issues is not merely about safeguarding one group; it’s about transforming the entire social framework for the benefit of all."

Walker’s Commitment to Ethical Storytelling

In addition to Shakti, Walker has produced short documentaries like Kylie (2023) and Merman (2023). She won an Oscar for Best Documentary Short in 2024 for The Last Repair Shop. Choosing to make her feature debut with a narrative film was a deliberate decision to protect the identities of abuse survivors.

"A narrative film allows me to convey the truth of the situation without putting real individuals at further risk," Walker stated. "The feature format provides the creative and ethical space to express the emotional realities while ensuring the safety of survivors."

Addressing Legal Challenges

Shakti also tackles a contentious legal issue in Nepal, where survivors of sexual violence are required to report incidents within a year. Following protests by women's groups, this statute of limitations was extended to two years in 2022.

"Changing laws like this is not just symbolic; it has a direct effect on survivors' ability to pursue justice and shifts the social and political landscape towards accountability," Walker remarked. While Shakti draws inspiration from real events, it aims to portray the broader context of violence against women and children in the region and the urgent need for action, Walker concluded.