Sewa Lamsal to Make History as Nepal’s First Female Foreign Secretary

Sewa Lamsal is poised to become Nepal’s first female foreign secretary, breaking a 72-year tradition of male leadership in the country’s Foreign Ministry. Currently officiating as secretary since the retirement of Bharat Raj Paudel on December 5, Lamsal’s appointment is pending formal approval by the next Cabinet meeting.

Lamsal’s nomination for the prestigious role comes after a recommendation by the Public Service Commission, solidifying her potential place in history. If confirmed, she will be the 25th foreign secretary of Nepal and the first woman to hold this position.

Nepal’s Foreign Ministry has been exclusively led by men since its inception in 1948, with Sardar Narendra Mani Acharya being the first foreign secretary. Lamsal’s groundbreaking appointment marks a significant step towards gender inclusivity in high-ranking government positions.

Sahana Pradhan previously shattered the glass ceiling in 2007 when she became Nepal’s first female foreign minister. Now, 16 years later, Sewa Lamsal is on the brink of making history as the first female foreign secretary, continuing the legacy of trailblazing women in Nepal’s diplomatic arena.

Lamsal’s impressive career in civil service began in 1998 when she joined as a section officer. Transitioning to foreign service, she held the position of under secretary at the Department of Passports before ascending to the role of Nepali ambassador to Pakistan from 2016 to 2020. Notably, she also served as a non-residential envoy to Iran, Turkey, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan while stationed in Pakistan.