Shova Gyawali is the new general secretary
KATHMANDU, Dec 3: The Federation of Women's Entrepreneurs of Nepal (FWEAN) has unanimously elected Bhawani Rana as its new president.
The 13th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of FWEAN held in Kathmandu on Friday also elected a 19-member executive committee. Sharada Rijal, Reeta Simha, and Neeru Rayamjhi Khatri are the first vice president, second vice president and third vice-president, respectively, in the new executive committee. Similarly, Shova Gyawali is the general secretary while, Parshana Shrestha and Hajuri Bista are the secretary and treasurer, respectively.
Similarly, Basanti Pradhan, Mahalaxmi Shrestha, Sumitra Palanchoke, Manisha Ghimire, Kunnam Pokhrel, Ananda Shova Tamrakar, Tara Titung, Laxmi Khanal, Saraswati Bhandari, Saraswati Sharma and Shiela Nepali are the members in the new executive committee.
During the AGM, FWEAN awarded best women entrepreneurs in recognition of their exemplary work in the past fiscal year. Shiela Nepali of Jajarkot, Saraswati Bhandari of Parbat, Damber Kumari Shrestha of Sunsari and Pebaki Baral of Kaski grabbed first, second, third and consolation prize, respectively.
Speaking at the AGM, outgoing president Rita Bhandary said that it was positive to note that the government has finally started inviting women entrepreneurs for policy meetings and discussions. She further added that WEAN organized 1st Women International Trade Expo last year to promote products produced by women entrepreneurs.
Likewise, Ishwari Prasad Ghimire, chief director of Trade and Export Promotion Centre said that entrepreneurs should utilize raw materials and human resource which is available in abundance across the country. He also said that the government was committed to help women entrepreneurs in branding and promotion of their products.
Bhawani Raja, the newly elected president of FWEAN, said that she would work to expand FWEAN chapters to all 75 districts. “The new team of will bring new programs for women entrepreneurs,” she added.
On the occasion, Pashupati Murarkar, president of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) said that the FNCCI was willing to help women entrepreneurs and enter into a partnership with FWEAN.