Meet Nina Gurung – Mayor of Medway in the UK

Nina Gurung was elected to be the Mayor of Medway earlier in 2023. This exciting new role also makes her the first Nepali woman to hold the Mayor position in the UK. Nina was elected as the new Mayor of Medway on May 24th this year. Gurung comes from a British Gurkha background and has been an active member of the Gurkha Nepalese Community Medway, Buddhist Community Centre UK alongside a number of Medway based charities.

Her research on the settlement of Gurkha families and their integration process in the UK was a ‘moment’ for the UK Nepali community. The research was widely picked up by several publications including national TV, playing an instrumental role in promoting community cohesion. Nina is also the Labour and Co-operative Councillor for Chatham Central & Brompton.

Mayor Gurung said “I am honoured to have been elected Mayor of Medway. I hope that my journey from very humble beginnings to this stage will inspire everyone in Medway to never give up, to always be kind, non-judgmental, to try and surround themselves with positive people, and always serve our communities selflessly. I am looking forward to representing Medway at a wide variety of events over the next year as well as meeting residents.”

Well file this post under “better late than never”. I felt it important for me to share this to showcase the wonderful actions of fellow UK Nepalis. We’re definitely reaching, getting things done and taking our rich stories with us – of being a Nepali, coming from a British Gurkha heritage, having multiple tongues, juggling families/children, responsibilities that the East and the West have given – like Nina! She’s a doer and an inspiration regardless of her gender but knowing that she comes from a Gurkha community, is the daughter of Gurkha parents, wife to a Gurkha and has children – makes it even more inspiring!

Wishing her the best for her time!