Susan Sapkota: A young activist determined to make a difference

Susan Sapkota, an 18-year-old environmentalist and social advocate, has already made a significant impact through his work in environmental sustainability, sexual and reproductive health, menstrual hygiene, and mental health. Shaped by his formative experiences, Sapkota attributes his current identity to the values and lessons instilled in him during his upbringing.

Sapkota grew up in Surkhet, Birendranagar, in mid-west Nepal. He recalls a childhood marked by significant transitions, such as moving to a new place where he found himself surrounded by adults. This early isolation from people his age led him to develop close bonds with the elders. Solitude also allowed him to mature quickly and become a leader at a young age.

From his early days in school, Sapkota exhibited natural leadership qualities. He was often appointed as a monitor or class captain by his teachers. Teachers joked about his potential political future. They said that he would one day be the prime minister of Nepal but politics never intrigued him. Instead, Sapkota’s interests gravitated toward social causes and making a difference in the world.

Sapkota comes from a modest yet supportive family. His mother, a teacher, and father, a former professional driver turned firefighter, instilled in him values of hard work, empathy, and social responsibility. While they were initially concerned about his education and the unconventional nature of his pursuits, they soon recognized his deep passion for the causes he was championing.

Currently, Sapkota is pursuing bachelors in economics and law at Kathmandu University. He says he wants to be self-sufficient and knowledgeable about legal matters, ensuring that as a campaigner, he won’t have to rely on others for legal advice. He has always been inspired by figures like Barack Obama and Nelson Mandela, whose backgrounds in economics and law aligned with his own academic and career goals.

Sapkota’s journey as a campaigner began during school, when he transitioned from a community school to Usha Bal Batika School, where his mother taught. Here, he was influenced by many visiting lecturers, including Dr Nawaraj KC, a pediatrician who introduced him to the concept of climate change and environmental responsibility. It was during this period that Sapkota began to truly internalize the importance of protecting the environment for future generations.

One of his earliest and most impactful campaigns, ‘Go Green Go Clean,’ was initiated with the guidance of Dr KC. The campaign aimed to raise awareness among students about environmental issues, focusing on waste management and the importance of preserving nature. Sapkota led the student club at school, handling the administrative and funding aspects of the campaign. In six months, they successfully reached all the schools in the area, setting the foundation for his future work in social activism.

Waste management remains one of Sapkota’s proudest accomplishments. He recalls how the campaign transformed the waste management practices in Birendranagar, with communities becoming more conscious about cleanliness and proper disposal. “It was a long journey,” he says, “but we made significant progress.”

Beyond environmental activism, Sapkota expanded his efforts to address sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). Visiting rural areas like Mugu, Kalikot, and Jajarkot, he educated young people, especially women, about menstrual hygiene and sexual health. These campaigns were driven by his observation of gender disparities, with girls facing cultural restrictions that limited their opportunities.

However, Sapkota faced numerous cultural and societal barriers, particularly related to practices like chaupadi pratha (a tradition of keeping menstruating women in isolation, often in huts). One of the key challenges he encountered was the mindset of the communities he worked with. Despite the educational efforts, convincing people to put an end to long-standing practices proved difficult. However, Sapkota and his team used strategic approaches, including speaking to elderly people and engaging with local leaders, to bring about change. 

A particularly memorable achievement from the SRHR campaign was the workshop Sapkota and his friend conducted in Kalikot, where they taught women how to make their own sanitary pads. “It’s a skill they continue to use, and many women are now making a living through it,” he says. 

The work, he says, doesn’t come without challenges including resistance from conservative communities, misunderstandings about the campaigns, and the difficulties of managing multiple roles in his personal life. Despite these setbacks, he remains steadfast, viewing each challenge as a learning opportunity rather than a roadblock. “The challenges have been learning opportunities,” he says.

He acknowledges that much of his personal growth has come from the support and mentorship of key individuals in his life. He credits his parents, mentors like Dr KC, and his supportive friends for shaping his leadership journey.

Sapkota’s vision extends beyond Nepal. Looking ahead, he envisions himself continuing to lead campaigns and initiatives that make a positive impact on society. “I want people to recognize me as a good leader or a campaigner,” he says reflecting on his deep commitment to creating lasting social change.

Sapkota’s recent trip to South Africa, where he worked with The Green Connection to protect marine life, further expanded his understanding of global environmental issues. “It was a huge learning experience,” he says, “and it reinforced my belief in the power of collective action.”

His efforts to promote a ‘green university’ initiative in Nepal is aimed at reducing waste and promoting sustainability in schools and colleges. Having visited over 50 districts for his campaigns, Sapkota remains driven by the belief that passion and teamwork can overcome any obstacle.

Sapkota firmly believes if you do something with passion and determination, then nothing can stop you from reaching your goal. His message to aspiring campaigners is this: “It’s all about teamwork and setting a clear goal.”