Author: Dr. Meenakshi Dahal

Dr. Meenakshi Dahal is a distinguished academic, education leader, and early childhood development specialist affiliated with Kathmandu University School of Education (KUSOED), Nepal, where she serves as Visiting Faculty. She holds a PhD in Education with a specialization in Early Childhood Development, along with an MSc in Zoology, reflecting her strong interdisciplinary academic foundation. Dr. Dahal currently serves as Chairperson of Sikai Foundation and Chairperson of Sarthak Shiksha, where she provides strategic leadership to advance equitable, inclusive, and quality learning opportunities for young children. She is also the Secretary of the Alliance for Early Childhood Development Nepal, contributing to national-level advocacy, collaboration, and policy dialogue in the early childhood sector. Her professional work bridges academia, practice, and policy. Dr. Dahal has presented her research and practice-based insights at international forums, contributing to global conversations on early learning, child development, and education systems strengthening. In recognition of her leadership and impact, she was selected as a Childcare Exchange: Exceptional Emerging Leader by Childhood Education International (CEI), Washington, DC, USA. Dr. Dahal’s work is driven by a strong commitment to evidence-based practice, capacity building, and the promotion of high-quality early childhood education in Nepal and beyond.