Organized by Creative Statements in association with Berger J&N (Nepal), this was the 11th edition of Celebrating Womanhood.[break]
“Apart from honoring the unsung female heroes of Nepal, Celebrating Womanhood also creates a link between women from different corners of Nepal,” said Shrijana Singh Yonjan, the conceptualizer of the awards. In its 11-year journey, Celebrating Womanhood has reached 21 districts of Nepal.
Relating each hero to one of the nine Hindu goddesses, the awardees are exemplary to both men and women of the country for what they have achieved by breaking through social, cultural and economic barriers.
Bishnu Thakali, Founder Member and President of Women Environment Preservation Committee (WEPCO), was the recipient of the Annapurna Award given to a woman in the field of environment preservation and creative arts for her dedication towards waste management and recycling.
The award for media and literary works was presented to Neeta Sapkota, Producer and Program Presenter with Nepal Television who, for a decade of her 17-year-old media career, has been focusing on creating educative and informative programs for children.
Similarly, for her strength and ability to progress in the field of sports, despite being differently abled, athlete Maiya Bisunkhe was awarded under the Bhawani category.
The Durga Award, given to a woman who works to fight social injustice for women, went to Mohana Ansari, an advocate with the National Women’s Commission.
The recipient of the Karuna Award for a woman who has dedicated her life to uplift the status of marginalized comminutes was given to Sabita Rai, President of the Single Women’s Group in Dharan and dedicated women’s rights worker for the past 11 years.
The Laxmi Award associated with women entrepreneurs was received by two women this year. Om Devi Malla, Executive Chairperson of Reliable Saving and Credit Cooperative Society, was honored for her commitment to economic independence for Nepali women. Prativa Subedi was given this award for her works to empower rural women and provide them economic opportunities through her organization, Women Awareness Centre Nepal (WACN).
Song writer and singer Hari Devi Koirala was the recipient of the Mahamaya Award which is presented to a woman in the field of theatre, performing arts and glamour. For three decades, Koirala has been contributing significantly to Nepali folk music.
Rajya Laxmi Nakarmi, Deputy Director of the Department of Education, was honored with the Saraswati Award for her achievements in uplifting the education system in Nepal.
The Shakti Award signifies the extraordinary endeavors of a pair who have managed to achieve something seemingly impossible. Kanchhi Gole and Somlal Gole were recognized through the Shakti Award this year for the selfless services they have been providing to children and pregnant women of Makwanpur.
The ceremonial evening was punctuated with dance performances to the compositions of the late Gopal Yonzon.
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