Nepali Journalists’ Organization Elects First Female President in 69-Year History

Nirmala Sharma has made history by becoming the first female president of the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) in its 69-year history. In the election held on Friday, Sharma secured a decisive victory, receiving 4,282 votes against her closest rival, Ramesh Bista, who garnered 3,203 votes.

Sharma’s illustrious journalism career spans nearly three decades, beginning in 1995 with Shree Sagarmatha Daily. Over the years, she has worked with numerous media organizations such as Radio Nepal and Radio Sagarmatha. She has also hosted programs on various stations, including Radio Kantipur and Ujyaalo FM Network. Most recently, Sharma hosted the television program “Samakon.”

Beyond her professional achievements, Sharma has been a steadfast advocate for women’s rights in the media industry. She previously led Sancharika Samuha, an organization focused on empowering women journalists in Nepal. Born in Pokhara, Kaski, Sharma completed her Intermediate education in her hometown.

The Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) is a professional representative body of over 13,000 media professionals working in print, electronic, and online media across Nepal. Its headquarters is located at Media Village, Tilganga, Kathmandu.

The journey of organizing Nepalese journalists under one umbrella began on March 29, 1956, with the establishment of the Nepal Journalists Association (NJA). The association was founded by Krishna Prasad Bhattarai, a prominent journalist and freedom fighter who later served as Nepal’s Prime Minister after the restoration of democracy in 1990. On June 25, 1995, the NJA was formally converted into the Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ), with its name further amended to the Federation of Nepali Journalists in 2008 (2064 BS).

FNJ is a full member of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the International Freedom of Expression Exchange (IFEX).

“As the umbrella organization of the Nepali Journalists, FNJ seeks to promote and protect freedom of the press and expression, professional and physical security of the journalists and envisions a well-informed Nepali society, where freedom of press and speech are exercised in an unhindered manner,” the website of the FNJ reads.