From the remote village of Mukli in Solukhumbu, Machchhe Devi Gurung rose to become far more than an individual success story. She became a symbol of resilience for countless women fighting to be heard. As a little girl, she was enchanted by the voices on the radio, never imagining that one day it would become her most powerful weapon for change. Through this medium, she found her own voice and carried with it the hopes and struggles of thousands of women, echoing their concerns on national and global stages. Her journey shines as an inspiring example of courage, perseverance, and an unshakable devotion to social justice.
The village’s natural beauty brightened her childhood, yet beneath this beauty lay the harsh realities of social inequality and gender discrimination, which left a deep impression on her. From an early age, she witnessed how women were denied opportunities, subjected to discrimination, and endured violence. Although her family valued education, their modest means made it difficult for her to pursue her dreams with ease. The radio became her window to the world. Every time it played in the village, she would wonder in awe: “How can people enter this small box and speak?” That innocent curiosity gradually opened the door to a new universe of stories, information, and ideas. Determined to continue her studies, she made the bold decision to move to Kathmandu—her first major step toward a new life, though arriving in the capital was not just a physical relocation; it marked the beginning of a new chapter in her journey.
A campaign to amplify women’s voices
Recognising media as the most effective medium to amplify women’s voices, she enrolled in a ten-month journalism training program at the Nepal Press Institute, which laid the foundation of her career. Following the training, she undertook internships at Kantipur National Daily and Antenna Foundation, where she acquired essential journalistic skills and developed a clearer understanding of the media’s role in society. Her professional journey reached a turning point when she joined Radio Sagarmatha. For her, it was more than just a workplace—it became a platform to advance her vision and advocacy. At the station, she produced and hosted programs focusing on women’s rights, education, health, employment, gender-based violence, and equal participation in state structures. Over nearly 5 years, she produced and presented more than 400 episodes, significantly increasing the visibility of women’s issues and strengthening public discourse around them.
Machchhe Devi understood early on that women’s issues are not uniform. The challenges faced by Indigenous communities, Dalits, Madhesis, Muslims, women with disabilities, and single women are distinct. Through her radio platform, she amplified these diverse voices and brought their concerns to the national stage. Her program Saha Astitwa (Coexistence) became a driving force in pressing for 33 percent women’s representation in the Constituent Assembly. Her initiative inspired women across villages to speak up for their rights. She raised her voice through a Radio program for voiceless, marginalised, and disadvantaged women.
Machchhe Devi tirelessly advocated for the implementation of the Domestic Violence (Crime and Punishment) Act introduced by the government. Critics labelled her a “feminist,” but she never took it as an insult; instead, she strengthened her campaign further. Her determination earned her recognition from various organizations. The Federation of Nepalese Indigenous Nationalities Journalists (FONIJ) honoured her with the FONIJ National Journalism Diaspora Award 2082 on its 26th anniversary. Likewise, the Federation of Indigenous Peoples of Nepal in America (FIPNA) acknowledged her contribution with a certificate of honour on the 31st International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. She also gained opportunities to work on women’s issues through non-governmental organizations.
A new chapter in the diaspora
Currently, Machchhe Devi is in New York, where she is amplifying the voice of the Nepali diaspora through community journalism. She runs an online portal called NYC Nepal News, serving as its editor. Through this platform, she highlights issues related to the Nepali community’s language, culture, and rights. Additionally, she manages the Community Quest interview series and the NYC Nepal Podcast.
While in the United States, she has held various responsibilities in the Nepal America Journalists’ Association (NEAJA). In 2021, during NEAJA’s 7th General Convention, she was elected as vice president with the highest number of votes. During her tenure, she advocated for institutional transparency, women’s participation, and strengthening the journalism profession. She has also worked as a guest editor for Everest Times Online, where she emphasized community journalism to empower the community.
Recognition and inspiration
Machchhe Devi’s contributions have been recognized by various organizations. During Gurung (Tamu) Lhochhar 2023, the Public Advocate of New York City honored her. The Tamang Society of America acknowledged her contributions during the Dumphu Sannjh in 2018. Similarly, in 2012, she was honored for empowering women and combating domestic violence through Radio Journalism by the British Embassy to Nepal and the National Network of Women Human Rights Defenders, and Women Rehabilitation Center WOREC Nepal. In 2023, Nepalism.com recognized her as a change maker acknowledging her contribution to the community through journalism.
She presented a working paper on gender equality in the media sector at the 69th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. She also served as an election commissioner at the 8th national convention of the Federation of Indigenous Nationalities of Nepal in America (FIPNA). Additionally, she took on the roles of judge and media coordinator at the Nepal Indigenous Film Festival and NIFF Awards 2018. Machchhe Devi took the role as one of the judges for selecting the NRNA Journalism Award provided by the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) National Coordination Council - USA and NEAJA in 2025.
Her journey in journalism began 19 years ago as a trainee at Kantipur Daily, and it continues today with the same energy and passion. She has consistently raised her voice for social justice, equality, and the rule of law. Gurung firmly believes that social change cannot be institutionalised until there is a shift in individual mindsets. Her life story traces a path from a small village to the global stage. What began as a journey through radio has transformed thousands of women’s lives. Gurung’s determination, dedication, and sense of social responsibility have established her as a powerful voice in Nepal and beyond. Her tireless advocacy for women’s rights, inclusion, and respect for diversity inspires a new generation both within Nepal and across the diaspora. Gurung’s story is not merely her own; it represents the collective narrative of countless women striving to make their voices heard on the world stage.
