From Village Roots to National Recognition

In 2026, Rewati Gurung was named one of Nepal’s 50 Most Influential Women by Onlinekhabar - an honour that recognises women actively shaping the country’s future. For Rewati, this recognition came as a genuine surprise. It was not the result of a single moment, but of years of consistent effort, social commitment, and a deeply held belief in women’s independence.

Photo Credit: OnlineKhabar

Her journey is not defined by one role, but by a lifetime of purposeful work across education, media, social development, and ethical business.

Humble Beginnings, Unwavering Determination

Rewati was born in the village of Dudhauli in Sindhuli, in Nepal’s Terai region. Her early life was shaped by limited opportunities, but also by a strong determination to pursue education.

With persistence, she convinced her uncle to allow her to study in Dharan, where she completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Humanities and Arts. She later moved to Kathmandu, earning a Master’s Degree in English Literature in 2007, followed by a Master’s Degree in Development Studies in 2015.

These academic foundations played a critical role in shaping her understanding of identity, gender, and social structures; insights that would guide her future work.

From Education to Awareness

During her time working with Kantipur News and supporting research projects across Nepal, Rewati gained first-hand insight into the realities faced by many women:

Long hours of labour
Limited decision-making power
No independent income
Caste discrimination

Rather than accepting these conditions, she chose to engage with them and focused on practical, grassroots approaches to change.

A Defining Moment: The 2015 Earthquake

The 2015 Nepal Earthquake marked a turning point. 

Photo Credit: Gary Wornell

Amid the devastation, she began a simple initiative; offering tea and boiled eggs to hospitals in her municipality. (See the YouTube Documentary here) What started as a small act of care quickly grew into a coordinated effort, as she brought together like-minded people to support the community. 

She went on to establish the NGO Moving Mountain Nepal, which distributed thousands of schoolbags to children in earthquake-affected regions, helping them return to education during a period of national recovery.

Photo Credit: Gary Wornell

These actions demonstrated not only compassion, but also her ability to organise, lead, and deliver meaningful impact under pressure.

A Global Perspective: Learning from Finland

Later in 2015, Rewati attended the Helsinki University Summer School, on the theme 'Culture, Gender and Politics'.

Exposure to Finland’s social welfare system and its approach to gender equality provided a practical model of how policy and culture can support fairness and opportunity.

This experience strengthened her long-term vision for creating sustainable, locally relevant change in Nepal.

Telling Women’s Stories Through Film

Returning to Kathmandu, Rewati trained in documentary filmmaking establishing a film company Moving Mountain Pictures in 2017 and began focusing on underrepresented social issues.

Her work explored:

• The challenges faced by marginalised women
• Caste inequality
• The stigma surrounding menstruation

Through film, she brought visibility to issues often overlooked, contributing to wider awareness and discussion. Her documentaries received multiple awards both nationally and internationally, reinforcing her credibility as both a storyteller and social advocate.

See one of her award winning documentaries here: Period - A State of Purity

Building Kokroma: A Different Kind of Business

In 2018, following a documentary film project for the World Bank and the Japanese Social Development Fund, Rewati founded Kokroma.

With no formal business training and starting with a modest grant of USD 5,000, she launched the company from a small room in her home, employing just two seamstresses and accessing textiles woven by prisoners who were being trained in artisanal skills so that they could gain employment on their release.

Her objectives were clear and measurable:

• Create stable, fair employment for women
• Build a respectful and supportive workplace
• Enable long-term financial independence
• Create products that embraced traditional Nepali children’s clothing with minimal environmental impact sourcing natural materials

Today, Kokroma has grown to a team of around 18 full-time staff, reflecting steady, organic growth built on strong values.

More than a clothing brand, Kokroma represents a commitment to ethical production and social responsibility.

Sustainability and Social Impact

Kokroma integrates social impact directly into its operations.

Key initiatives include:

• Collaboration with women’s groups and NGOs
• Supporting the training of prisoners in weaving to gain valuable artisanal skills
• Education and awareness around menstrual health
• Production of reusable cotton pads to reduce waste

These efforts address both environmental sustainability and social challenges, contributing to improved dignity and wellbeing for women and girls.

Recognition and Impact

Rewati’s work has not gone unnoticed.

• Global Good Awards - Silver Medal Individual Leader of the Year 2021
• Kokroma received the HRM Corporate Excellence Award 2025
• She was named among Nepal’s 50 Most Influential Women in 2026

These recognitions reflect not only achievement, but measurable impact across communities and sectors.

A Continuing Journey

At the core of Rewati Gurung’s work is a clear and consistent mission: to create opportunities for women to achieve independence and dignity through meaningful work.

From a determined student in Dudhauli to a nationally recognised leader in Nepal, her path has been shaped by resilience, practical action, and long-term vision.

Her work continues to evolve but the purpose remains unchanged.

At Kokroma, this vision is reflected in every garment, every process, and every woman who becomes part of the journey.