Sabina Kafle Biography: Education, Career, Age, Marriage, Achievements, Age 2025

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Sabina Kafle: Some people become famous because of the positions they hold or the titles they win, while others are admired because of the way they quietly change lives around them. Sabina Kafle is one of those people who has earned respect not by seeking the spotlight but by dedicating her life to health, service, and the well-being of women and families in Nepal. She is widely known as the wife of Balendra “Balen” Shah, the current Mayor of Kathmandu, but her story is much more than that. She is a public health professional, a woman who has worked with passion for reproductive health, maternal care, and gender equality, and someone who has carried her personal and professional responsibilities with strength and dignity.

This detailed biography will explore her life from her childhood in Kathmandu to her academic journey, her career in health, her marriage, her challenges, her achievements, and even her role as a modern-day influencer. It will also look at her financial status, her values, and why she continues to inspire so many people, especially young women in Nepal.

Table of Contents

Sabina Kafle Early Life and Biography

Sabina Kafle was born on February 7, 1995, in Kathmandu, Nepal. She grew up in a middle-class family that believed strongly in the power of education and service to society. While specific details about her parents and siblings have not been widely shared publicly, it is clear that her upbringing was built on values of hard work, compassion, and determination. Her family encouraged her to dream big and to pursue a path that would allow her to help others. This supportive environment played a huge role in shaping her character and passion for health-related causes.

From her childhood, Sabina was described as disciplined, intelligent, and curious. She was not only good at her studies but also had a natural desire to understand the needs of people around her. Even as a student, she was drawn toward social issues, particularly those affecting women and children. She knew early on that her future lay in health and social development, not in business or politics.

Education

Education became the foundation for Sabina’s career and influence. She studied at Nobel College between 2009 and 2013, where she built her interest in health sciences. Her curiosity and hard work made her stand out as a serious student. She then went on to earn her Bachelor’s degree in Public Health from Kathmandu University. This degree gave her the professional background she needed to enter the world of public health and healthcare systems.

During her university years, Sabina developed a keen interest in reproductive health and maternal care. She realized how important these areas were in Nepal, where many rural communities still lacked proper access to maternal services, family planning, and awareness about reproductive health. She became determined to contribute to these fields, not only through research but also through practical action.

Her time at Kathmandu University also shaped her into a confident professional, ready to take on leadership roles. Unlike many young people who leave Nepal in search of opportunities abroad, Sabina chose to stay and work in her country, believing that her skills and education should be used to improve the lives of Nepali women and families.

Career Journey

After completing her studies, Sabina began her career as a research assistant at the Nepal Health Research Council. This role was her entry into the professional world of health and research. She worked closely with researchers, doctors, and policymakers, learning how studies and surveys could influence real-life policies in health care. Her role helped her see firsthand the struggles that ordinary Nepali families faced in accessing healthcare.

In 2015, Sabina took a major step forward in her career when she joined the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Nepal as a Program Manager. This role gave her the platform to work on large-scale programs across the country. She became deeply involved in projects that focused on reproductive health, maternal health, and gender equality. Through her work, she helped communities improve access to family planning services, safe maternal delivery, and awareness campaigns about women’s health.

Her leadership also became especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic. At a time when many healthcare systems around the world were disrupted, Sabina played a role in restoring maternal services in Nepal. She worked to ensure that pregnant women were not left without support during the crisis and that referral systems in rural areas remained active. Her ability to manage such challenges with calm and focus earned her respect within and outside her organization.

Alongside her technical expertise, Sabina also became known for her mentorship and advocacy. She guided young professionals, encouraged young women to join public health, and often engaged in policy dialogues. While she may not always have been in front of cameras or in politics, her influence was real and lasting in the health sector.

Marriage and Family Life

In 2021, Sabina married Balendra Shah, popularly known as Balen, who is not only a rapper and structural engineer but also the current Mayor of Kathmandu. Their marriage attracted attention because Balen was already a rising public figure. However, Sabina remained grounded and chose to continue her professional journey even as she stepped into the public eye as the mayor’s wife.

The couple welcomed their first child, a daughter, in March 2023. This was a joyful moment for their family and for the many Nepali people who admire them. Sabina has managed to balance her life as a mother, wife, and professional with remarkable grace.

Unfortunately, the family also faced painful challenges. In August 2023, they welcomed twin daughters, but one of the babies tragically passed away, and the other had to receive special care in the NICU. This heartbreaking experience drew sympathy from across the country. Despite such personal struggles, Sabina and Balen remained strong, showing courage and resilience during a very difficult time.

Public Role and Influence

Although she is primarily a health professional, Sabina’s public role has grown over time. As the wife of the mayor, she appears at events and supports her husband’s vision for Kathmandu. Still, she is careful not to become a politician herself. Instead, she uses her position to spread awareness about health and social issues.

Sabina is also active on social media, especially on Instagram, where she shares glimpses of her professional and personal life. Through her posts, she spreads awareness on topics like maternal care, women’s health, and lifestyle. She is seen as a positive influencer, balancing modern living with strong values of compassion and service.

In June 2025, she was appointed as the brand ambassador for Naturo Earth, a Nepali wellness brand that promotes organic, handcrafted, and sustainable products. This role fits her image perfectly, as she advocates for healthy, holistic living.

Achievements

Sabina’s achievements are not measured in trophies or awards but in the impact of her work. Some of her most notable contributions include:

Expanding Reproductive Health Programs: She has helped communities access family planning services and safe reproductive health care.
Strengthening Maternal Services: Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, she worked to restore services that many women depended on.
Promoting Gender Equality: Through her programs and advocacy, she has supported initiatives that empower women and girls.
Mentorship and Leadership: She has guided young health professionals and inspired many young women to pursue careers in public health.
Public Influence: She has used her social media presence and her role as the mayor’s wife to promote positive values in society.

Net Worth

When it comes to her financial life, Sabina has not shared details publicly. Unlike celebrities or business leaders, she does not appear to be focused on wealth or luxury. Most of her income has come from her work in public health and her professional roles. Her net worth is not publicly documented, but it is safe to say that she lives a comfortable life, especially as the wife of the mayor. However, her true wealth lies in the respect she has earned, the lives she has touched, and the difference she continues to make in society.

Conclusion

Sabina Kafle’s life story is not just about being the wife of a popular mayor, it is about being a strong, educated, and compassionate woman who has built her own identity. From her early days in Kathmandu to her studies at Nobel College and Kathmandu University, from her first job as a research assistant to her leadership at UNFPA, and from her role as a mother to her presence as a respected public figure, Sabina has shown resilience, intelligence, and heart.

She represents a new generation of Nepali women who balance tradition and modernity, personal life and professional life, with grace. She is proof that one does not have to be a politician to bring change, sometimes the most powerful influence comes from dedication, service, and love for people.