Nista Kumari Karki, a 25-year-old youth leader from Khandachakra Municipality-7, Kalikot, is a driving force for social justice in Nepal. A Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) student at Tila Karnali Multiple Campus, she has dedicated herself to combating violence, discrimination, and systemic inequalities through her work with Civil Society Kalikot, Action Works Nepal, the BEE Group, and media platforms like Radio Pradesh Awaj and Radio Naya Karnali FM. She is working as Vice President of Press Chautari, and has consistently used media and advocacy to strengthen marginalized voices.

Currently serving as the President of the Young Human Rights Defenders Network, which was formed by ROYM Nepal under the EKATA Project. Nista was capacitated in human rights, gender inclusiveness, advocacy, and networking. She leads with a clear vision: to raise voices, especially those of marginalized groups, against gender-based violence, caste-based discrimination, deep-rooted issues like child marriage, the harmful Chhaupadi practice, and reproductive health rights, and drug addiction.  

One of Nista’s most grateful initiatives transformed the life of a 75-year-old woman, Raju Karki, who spent years breaking stones by the roadside to survive. Through relentless coordination with local government bodies, organizations, and volunteers, Nista secured a newly built home and essential supplies for Raju, turning her struggle into security.

With her outstanding visionary leadership, strong hope, dedication, and commitment to empowerment, she became a role model for the young generation in human rights advocacy, social campaigns, employment, as well as an advocate for capacity-building and skill-enhancement training to empower network members.