Saloni Pradhan Singh, a prominent development professional is a policy expert, and advocate for gender equality in Nepal and South Asia.  With more than three decades of experience, Ms. Singh has played a significant role in shaping development initiatives across Nepal and the broader South Asian region. She has worked extensively with a wide range of national and international networks, contributing her expertise to programs focused on women’s empowerment, conflict transformation, and peacebuilding. Her professional journey also includes serving as a Gender Expert for several international and multinational organizations.

Being the Founder of DidiBahini Nepal, a non-profit, non-governmental organization, she is committed to advancing women’s empowerment and promoting gender mainstreaming within development processes. Ms. Singh is a former member of Nepal’s National Planning Commission. The National Planning Commission (NPC) is the specialized and apex advisory body of the Government of Nepal for formulating a national vision, development policy, periodic plans and sectoral policies for overall development of the nation. During her time at the NPC, she contributed to the planning and development of national strategies) on sustainable development, climate resilience, and inclusive economic growth. Her policy work reflects a strong commitment to equity, inclusion, and long-term social transformation. She also serves as the Co-ordinator of the Active Working Group on Women’s Political Empowerment. 

Academically, she holds a Master’s Degree in Economics and has also earned a degree from St. Francis Xavier University in Canada. She is a visiting scholar at the Coady International Institute and has received several prestigious fellowships from universities in the United States and the United Kingdom.

In addition to her institutional roles, Ms. Singh is actively engaged in regional and global networks. She currently serves as the Gender Focal Point for GPPAC South Asia, a Steering Committee member of the Regional Center for Strategic Studies, and an Executive Council Member of the Asian South Pacific Association of Basic and Adult Education. She is also among the initiators of Shantimalika, a national network for Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) in Nepal, where she served as the National Coordinator from 2010 to 2011.

Through her leadership, advocacy, and policy engagement, Saloni Pradhan Singh continues to contribute to advancing gender equality, peacebuilding, and inclusive development at both national and international levels.