Written by Shruti Shakya
In the web of bureaucratic hurdles, there shines a beacon of integrity and advocacy—Roshni Devi Karki, Under Secretary, Ministry of Health and Population. She is an exemplary public servant who has demonstrated unwavering dedication to her roles and emerged as an advocate for women’s rights and equality. From challenging age-old practices in her family to transforming the landscape of gender and social justice within government agencies, Roshni stands tall as an inspiration for many individuals within and outside the government.
Roshni’s journey to becoming an honest public servant began in childhood. Even at the tender age of 11, she questioned the misuse of power when she encountered it. While helping her grandfather record the collection of land-related revenue, she observed discrepancies in the collection of funds and questioned her grandfather about the variation. This experience led her to question any forms of injustice and challenge the status quo, a trait she carried into her professional career.
Out-of-the-box advocacy
Roshni’s commitment to women’s rights faced resistance, especially from some male colleagues who sought to discourage her advocacy. She was warned and threatened to complete certain tasks against the protocol. However, with her determination, she declined and ignored such threats. Her performance led the people surrounding her to develop trust in her, and she was respected for her decision-making skills.
She continued to champion the cause, advocating for safe spaces for women athletes and spearheading initiatives to address gender-based issues. Due to the absence of facilities tailored for women, such as appropriate restrooms and changing areas, many women athletes felt hesitant to participate in sports and excel. She collaborated with the Youth and Sports Ministry to establish dedicated facilities for them, contributing to the rise in women’s athlete participation.
Not content with conventional approaches, Roshni took a creative leap by writing and recording awareness jingles on critical issues like child marriage, the dowry system, and social injustice. Her multilingual efforts, spanning Nepali, Maithili, and Bhojpuri, reached a wide audience without exhausting ministry funds. This innovative approach demonstrates that an individual can put effort into change and create awareness. Her efforts have taught us that a position comes with power, and stakeholders need to navigate that power to break stereotypes, using the position to find ways to work for people.
Shaping a positive work culture
As the head of the GESI Division, Roshni’s leadership has not only transformed her section but has also set an example for other departments. By emphasizing equality, skill development, and fostering a motivating work environment, she has become a role model for her colleagues. All department members are given equal opportunities, whether attending sessions or any capacity-building workshops. Team members share their learning and key takeaways upon return to identify the ways they can be applied to the organization. Her efforts have reverberated in other departments, inspiring others to learn from her leadership qualities.
Service above self
In a system often criticized for its narrow-minded focus on assigned tasks, Roshni stands out as a public servant who places service seekers at the forefront. Going beyond her duties, she assists service-seekers in writing letters, guides them to the right channels, and embodies the belief that government officials exist to facilitate services. Her positive attitude has fostered an inclusive and supportive work environment. Through this work, she is trying to change the narrative and believes her steps will challenge the stereotype that government offices are unproductive and incapable of change. In addition, Roshni advocates for the inclusion of integrity courses at the entry level, emphasizing the importance of instilling ethical values from the beginning of a public servant’s career.
Roshni Devi Karki’s journey from questioning injustices in her family to becoming a beacon of integrity and advocacy in public service is a testament to her unwavering commitment to positive change. Through her leadership, resilience, and innovative approaches, she has not only transformed her division but has also left an indelible mark on the broader landscape of government service. Roshni Devi Karki is more than an integrity icon; she is a catalyst for a brighter, more equitable future.