Sumitra Manandhar Gurung
Dr. Sumitra Manandhar Gurung, a distinguished member of the Just Futures Pahal (JFP) Board of Directors, plays a pivotal role as one of the founding members of both JFP and the Samata Foundation. With a background in Geography, activism, and thought leadership within civil society, Dr. Sumitra brings over four decades of invaluable expertise and experience to JFP. Her interests and engagements encompass gender, environmental sustainability, microfinance, caste, indigenous peoples, governance, and inclusive democracy in Nepal and beyond.
Aprominent figure in social justice movements, Dr. Sumitra has actively advised and participated in initiatives focusing on the rights and empowerment of Dalits and Indigenous Peoples in Nepal. She was one of the founding members of the National Coalition Against Racial Discrimination in Nepal. She is a trailblazer in the realm of microfinance, particularly advocating for women’s participation and interests in Nepal’s economic landscape. Her professional journey includes collaborations with esteemed international and national development organizations such as ICIMOD, Plan International, Women’s Cooperative Society, Mahila Sahayatra Microfinance Bittiya Sanstha, Lumanti, and UNDP. Dr. Sumitra also served as a Steering Committee member in the State of Social Inclusion in Nepal project, which significantly increased our understanding of how social exclusion and gender inequality affect the most excluded castes and ethnic groups in Nepal.
In recognition of her significant contributions through writings, public-lectures, and advising, Dr. Sumitra has received prestigious accolades. Notably, in 2019, as the leader of Mahila Sahayatra Microfinance in Nepal, she was honored with the 1st Princess Sabeeka Bint Ibrahim Al-Khalifa Global Award for Women’s Empowerment at the 63rd Commission on the Status of Women in New York, USA. Dr. Sumitra holds a PhD in Geography from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, USA, highlighting her academic rigor and dedication to her field.
As the treasurer of the Board, she plays a crucial role in providing guidance and oversight on JFP’s financial matters. Additionally, Dr. Sumitra serves as a mentor to the management team of Just Futures Pahal, utilizing her extensive experience to guide strategic decision-making and foster organizational growth effectively.