Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the 8th Annual General Meeting of Federation of Women Entrepreneurs´ Association of Nepal (FWEAN), president of the association Chhaya Sharma said that the declaration would be a milestone in empowering women.[break]
Minister for Industry Anil Jha said he is positive about the proposal. He said, “I am also positive about necessary amendments in policies that would ease the environment for women entrepreneurs.” Suresh Kumar Basnet, president of Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC) requested the government to seriously implement policies to bring more women into entrepreneurship.
Vice-president of Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) Bhawani Rana appreciated the activities run by FWEAN in various districts. She said every district of Nepal has some potential and that has to be identified in terms of specific product.
More than a dozen women entrepreneurs showcased products from their industries at the event in the capital on Tuesday. FWEAN members showcased products ranging from herbal cosmetics to readymade garments.
Renu Staphit, president of Women Entrepreneurs´ Association of Nepal (WEAN), said demand for organic and home-made products is high in international market. Staphit who runs an enterprise of home-made chocolates is marketing the products in various countries. Available in various tastes and attractively wrapped, these chocolates cost below Rs 300.
Herbal Cosmetics´ stall had products like soaps, oils and cream. “Although the price is a little higher than other cosmetic products, people who are aware of our quality are using these products in Nepal as well,” Darshana Shrestha, an entrepreneur, said.
Spicy Home Spices displayed a wide range of organic spices. Owner Sitara Rajbhandari said said demand from Japan and Korea is higher.
“Nepali customers are still not much aware of organic products,” she said adding that those who have once used have continued to use such products. Spicy Home Spices has introduced various Nepali species including turmeric power, coriander powder, mustard powder, ginger power, and mixed masala. The products are available starting from Rs 65 per 100 gram.
Himalayan Distillery also displayed recently-launched traditional Nepali rice wine called Himalayan Aayla.
“This is a traditional product in a special package and is brewed from broken rice,” said Maggie Shah, chairperson of Himalayan Distillery. Priced at Rs 1,200 per bottle, the drink is available in all the leading supermarkets.
FWEAN is the central body of Women Entrepreneurs´ Association (WEAN) and is planning to establish subsidiary WEAN chapter in all 74 districts.
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