Bidhya Devi Bhandari Biography: Nepal’s First Woman President

Early Years and Background

Bidhya Devi Bhandari was born into a middle-class farming family to Ram Bahadur Pandey and Mithila Pandey. She grew up in the hills of Bhojpur, Eastern Nepal, completing her school education there. For higher studies, she went to Biratnagar, Morang, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Tribhuvan University. Influenced by the leftist democratic movement against the autocratic Panchayat system, she joined the Communist Party of Nepal (ML) in 2036 B.S. During her student days, she became a member of the All Nepal Women Association (ANWA) and the Eastern Regional Committee of the All Nepal National Free Students Union (ANNFSU), both affiliated with the CPN (ML).

Success in Career

Bidhya Devi Bhandari began her political journey as a student leader and later dedicated herself to her political party’s principles of democracy and freedom. She rose steadily through the party ranks before making history as Nepal’s first woman president:

• 1994 — Elected to the House of Representatives from Kathmandu-1
• 1997 — Served as Minister of Environment and Population
• 1999 — Elected to the House of Representatives from Kathmandu-2
• 2009–2011 — Minister of Defence, the first woman to hold the post
• 2014 — Became vice-chairperson of the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist)
• 2015 — Became chair of the All Nepal Women’s Association
• 28 October 2015 — Elected second president of Nepal, the first woman to hold the office
• 13 March 2018 — Re-elected for a second presidential term

Impact in the Field & Legacy

Bidhya Devi Bhandari has always been a strong supporter of women’s rights and gender equality in her political career. She led various movements to ensure equal treatment for women and advocated for their inclusion in all aspects of governance. After the 2008 Constituent Assembly elections, she played a crucial role in introducing a parliamentary resolution for 33% reservations for women in all state organs. This commitment was later incorporated into the 2015 Constitution.

She also initiated several programs like the President Women Upliftment Program, President Chure Conservation Program, and President Education Reform Program to empower women. Bidhya Devi Bhandari has gained national and international recognition for her efforts in promoting women’s advancement, peace, and democracy. In 2016, Forbes ranked her 52nd in the list of the world’s 100 most powerful women. She has received various awards, including the Suprabal Janasewashree (First Class), Nari Jagaran Award, Basundhara Award, and an honorary doctorate from Soka University, Japan.

Life After the Presidency

Bidhya Devi Bhandari’s second term as president ended on 13 March 2023, when she was succeeded by Ram Chandra Poudel. Since leaving office, she has continued to be active in women’s rights advocacy and within the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist), while stepping back from day-to-day government duties.

Personal and Family Insights

Bidhya Devi Bhandari got married to Madan Bhandari, a prominent communist leader, in 1982. They had two daughters, Usha Kiran and Nisha Kusum. Her married life was cut short by the tragic and mysterious death of her husband in a road accident in 1993. She raised her two daughters on her own, while continuing her political responsibilities. She is known for her simplicity, humility, and integrity. She does not have any social media accounts, and prefers to communicate directly with the people. She is fond of reading, gardening, and listening to music. She is also a devout Hindu, and follows the rituals and festivals of her culture. She is respected and loved by the people of Nepal, who call her “Aama” (mother).

Frequently Asked Questions