Smarika takes centre stage at the International Gender Equality Prize Gala in Finland
15 December 2025Smarika, a member of Plan International Nepal’s Youth Advisory Council, represented Nepal at the International Gender Equality Prize 2025 in Finland as the youngest jury member. Her participation amplified the voices of young women and girls with disabilities on a global stage for equality.
Smarika, a member of Plan International Nepal’s Youth Advisory Council, travelled to Tampere, Finland, as the youngest jury member for the International Gender Equality Prize. Her participation brought the perspectives of young women and girls with disabilities to one of the most recognised global platforms for equality.
Symposium: A paradigm shift in equality
The symposium connected to the International Gender Equality Prize was held at Tampere Hall under the theme A Paradigm Shift: Reflections on Equality. It examined the rising global backlash against gender justice, from coordinated misinformation to pressures on women’s rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and reproductive autonomy.
The event featured keynote speeches from Tanja Auvinen, Ambassador Delphine O, and the South Korean journalist Hawon Jung, who highlighted how deeply organised and well-funded anti-rights movements have become, and why sustained investment in feminist organising is urgently needed.
Smarika emphasised, “We envision a society where gender identity or sex characteristics never limit opportunities, while restoring women’s dignity from past injustices.”
“We envision a society where gender identity or sex characteristics never limit opportunities, while restoring women’s dignity from past injustices.”
Smarika
The panel discussion on Navigating the Future of Gender Justice brought these issues into sharp focus. Adina Nivukoski, Julian Honkasalo, and Smarika shared insights on resisting online hate, strengthening protection systems, and ensuring young people with disabilities are included in decision-making. Smarika’s reflections on Nepal’s context resonated strongly with the audience, earning the longest applause of the session.
Gala event: Honoring the Masha Foundation
At the Gala event, the International Gender Equality Prize 2025 was awarded to the Masha Foundation of Ukraine for its work supporting women facing the psychological impacts of war and violence. The €300,000 prize was presented by the Prime Minister of Finland, Petteri Orpo.
As a jury member, Smarika contributed to the deliberations and took part in the celebrations. She also spoke informally with the Prime Minister, the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Tampere, and ministers, sharing insights from Nepal and emphasising the need for inclusive leadership.
Cross learning and future pathways
During her visit, Smarika met with Plan International Finland’s National Director, Ossi Heinänen, to discuss youth leadership, accessibility, and her aspiration to pursue higher education in Europe. She also connected with youth activists from Plan International Finland, exchanging experiences on movement-building, digital safety, and inclusive activism in both countries.
Parliament House visit
Smarika toured the Finnish Parliament House, known as one of the most open and accessible parliaments in the world. The guided tour demonstrated how accessibility is embedded in public institutions. She met Second Deputy Speaker Tarja Filatov and held discussions on parliamentary systems in Nepal and Finland, women’s political leadership, and the representation of people with disabilities in democratic spaces.
Plan International Nepal is proud of Smarika’s leadership. Her contribution at the International Gender Equality Prize activities strengthened the call for meaningful youth engagement and showed why girls and young women with disabilities must be central to global conversations on equality and justice.
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