Bonita Sharma is the Co-founder and CEO of Social Changermakers and Innovators (SOCHAI) – a youth led non-profit organisation. Her organisation works for improving health, hygiene and nutrition status of the people, particularly women, children and girls in Nepal through innovation, education and entrepreneurship.
With a degree in Public Health, Food and Nutrition, Bonita is listed by the BBC in the 100 most influential women of the world in 2019. She is the winner of Goalkeeper Global Goals Progress Award 2020 given by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. She has been recognised by UNESCO as a Female Champion for educating women and girls in Nepal. She is the member of Provincial Nutrition and Food Security Steering Committee (NFSSC) of Bagmati Province. She was also the winner of UNICEF Asia Pacific Youth Innovation Challenge 2016 for her idea of ‘Nutribeads’ bracelet – a low tech wearable educational tool for educating mothers about nutrition. Her organisation SOCHAI was chosen as the winner of One Young World – Lead 2030 Challenge in SDG 2 Zero Hunger category in 2019.
What do you love about your work
The fact that I get to work with a passionate team of youth and contribute towards health and nutrition of women, children and girls. What I love the most is the opportunity I have to learn, grow, and be inspired by the people I meet at grassroots.
What makes a person beautiful
Kindness, empathy and humility
What makes you beautiful
My ability to empathise
What makes life beautiful
Finding happiness in little things
What tickles your funny bones
For some reason, lame sense of humour and unfunny jokes makes me laugh the loudest. I also love the Pintu video series by Srishti Dixit.
Therapy for happiness
Dogs
Addicted to
Jhol momo and chhoyela
On your wish list
All Nepal tour and a trip to Santorini
Stay fit by
Eating balanced diet, hiking, dancing and taking care of my mental wellbeing
Best year of your life
Year 2019 when SOCHAI got recognised globally and I got listed in BBC’s 100 women.
Latest splurge
My Macbook that I bought recently
Skincare
I have a very sensitive skin so I try to use as less product as possible. Using cleanser, moisturiser and sunscreen regularly and occasional home remedies are some of the things I practice.
Gadget
I am not a gadget freak but I have to appreciate my One Plus phone.
Style Icon
I love how Katrina Kaif carries herself. It looks so effortless and comfortable.
Always in your handbag
My phone, lipbalm and mint
What do you do to unwind
Go for a hike
Favourite holiday destination
Paris. It’s magical!
You always struggle with
Dealing with administrative hassle at public offices
Best thing about being you
My willingness to learn, unlearn and learn
Make up can’t do without
Eyeliner
Favourite makeup brands
I don’t do much makeup but I loved using Fenty Beauty products
Three things you absolutely do to look your best
Eat healthy, hydrate and carry myself with confidence
On a bad hair day
I hardly have a good hair day as I have to constantly be on the field.
One tip you learnt that makes you photo ready
My (un)resourceful Gen-Z cousins teach me Kylie and Gigi pose. However, it never really worked for me. LOL!
What do you like doing in your spare time
Sit and watch Netflix to the point I have back-ache
Books or movies
Movies
Guilty pleasure
Binge watching this trashy Nepali reality show that is currently trending on social media
Favourite place to eat in Kathmandu
Samaybaji at Bhumi and Jhiguche
One thing you can’t do without
Spending quality time with my three dogs – Bella, Poochie and Lily. It’s therapeutic!
What advice would you give to your younger self
Don’t be harsh on yourself because people think you are not good enough. And don’t be afraid to take risks because patience and persistence gradually pay off.
Celebrity crush
This changes every month. Currently it’s Siddhant Chaturvedi and Timothee Chalamet
A quote you live by
Try your best but don’t stress over things that are not in your control
Movies that inspire you
Into the wild, The Pursuit of Happiness, Before Sunrise, Wonder Woman
Lockdown lesson
• Recognising my privilege and using it to help others in every small way I can
• It’s okay to not be productive all the time
• Always put your health and wellbeing first
