KATHMANDU, March 3: The Federation of Women Entrepreneurs’ Associations of Nepal (FWEAN) has marked the 113th International Women's Day with the main theme 'Digital Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality' set by the United Nations and announced the launch of a ‘Business Development Center’ (BDC).

The Federation launched the BDC on Thursday which was inaugurated by National Planning Commission member Dr Ram Kumar Phuyal.

Nona Deprez, ambassador of the European Union Delegation to Nepal and Ravindra Peiris, senior specialist, Bureau for Employers’ Activities, Decent Work Team for South Asia under the International Labor Organization (ILO), were present as special guests in the program.  

Niru Rayamajhi, president of the Federation, said that the BDC has been brought into operation for the necessary services for women entrepreneurs. She said that women entrepreneurs in Nepal were happy when the FWEAN put the BDC into operation. Shova Gyawali, senior vice president of FWEAN, said that the BDC has started a new practice to sell goods of women entrepreneurs using online platforms. "Everyone will be equal, from the office to the restaurant," she said, “Everyone will be equal in earnings. The same should be seen in the voice coming through the media. It does not mean that someone can speak continuously and someone cannot speak at all. Also, just because she is a woman does not mean that speech should be restricted. Similarly, 'Digital Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality' has become even more necessary this year.”

She said that she was ready to do everything at her disposal to help women entrepreneurs. She also said that FWEAN will move forward with this intention. Gyawali said that the Federation aims to gather women entrepreneurs by establishing its associations in all 77 districts of the country. She also said that now the goal is to expand the district union in all 77 districts.  

As an apex body of women entrepreneurs, FWEAN currently has 61 subsidiary chapters in the seven provinces. She also said that 4,000 women entrepreneurs are associated with FWEAN so far. According to Gyawali, the BDC aims to provide a platform for female entrepreneurs, enabling them to do business online.

Gyawali said that more than 5,000 women entrepreneurs have benefited directly or indirectly through various projects and internal activities such as capacity building, skill building, entrepreneurship development and skill-based activities. Since 2016, the Federation has organized six international trade fairs with more than 50,000 visitors and more than 200 exhibitors from all over Nepal.

On the occasion of International Women’s Day, FWEAN has been awarding female entrepreneurs for their contribution to society. This year too, FWEAN has awarded Sewa Pathak, Bidushi Thapa and Prarthana Shah. 

 
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