KATHMANDU, Aug 29: Minister for Women, Children, and Senior Citizens, Nawal Kishor Shah Sudi, emphasized that the country cannot achieve development unless women are granted equal rights.

Speaking at the ECAN Women's Leadership Conference on ‘Empowerment of Women in Leadership and Entrepreneurship,’ organized by the Educational Consultancy Association of Nepal (ECAN) on the occasion of the ‘28th ICAN Day,’ Minister Sudi highlighted that the country has lagged behind in prosperity because past generations marginalized women. He stressed that empowering women is essential for the nation's progress.

“Women bring a unique perspective to leadership roles, and their participation leads to more inclusive and effective decision-making. While women remain underrepresented in leadership positions across both the public and private sectors, this is not due to a lack of ability but a lack of opportunities. We must work together to bridge this gap,” Minister Sudi remarked.

He urged the attendees to leave the conference not just inspired, but motivated to take action. Minister Sudi emphasized that entrepreneurship is a powerful tool for economic empowerment, and women must be financially empowered by providing them with the necessary resources and support to start and grow their own businesses.

“Women not only improve their own economic status but also contribute to the economic growth of their communities and the nation. Our ministry has begun implementing policies to support women's empowerment at all levels,” he added.

The conference also featured a panel discussion on women's leadership and empowerment. Shova Gyawali, president of the Federation of Women Entrepreneurs' Associations of Nepal (FWEAN) and Director of Nepal Republic Media Limited (NRM), underscored the importance of economically, socially, and politically empowering women.

Gyawali highlighted FWEAN's primary objective of empowering women entrepreneurs economically and socially. She mentioned that FWEAN is focused on enhancing entrepreneurship and expanding women's access to global markets.

“FWEAN is working to economically transform locally-produced goods by women entrepreneurs across the country. To this end, we have prioritized skill-based training, quality enhancement, and packaging,” she noted. Gyawali also pointed out that FWEAN is offering digitalization training to meet current demands and that products made by local women have gained recognition in global markets through online platforms. She emphasized the need for support and collaboration, integrating values, beliefs, and capabilities to advance in all sectors, including political, economic, and social arenas.

Radha Pokharel, president of the Capital Market Investor Associations, highlighted that only 20 percent of the 6.2 million investors in Nepal's stock market are women, reflecting low female participation in the capital market. “Our study shows that women are aware of the stock market, so we are conducting share literacy programs across all seven provinces to inform women about shares,” Pokharel said.

Pratishtha Thapa, country exams director of British Council Nepal, stressed the importance of prioritizing women's education to achieve women's empowerment. She mentioned that the Council established Budhanilkantha School with the goal of empowering women through education in Nepal, marking the beginning of an educational revolution by establishing an international-level school in the country.

Entrepreneur Sunita Adhikari called for addressing the gender gap in Nepal to boost women's prosperity in entrepreneurship. She emphasized the need for skill-based training to economically empower women.

Dr. Namrata Pandey led a yoga session during the program. In the same event, Shesh Raj Bhattarai, president of ECAN, stressed the role of both the private and public sectors in connecting women with entrepreneurship. Additionally, ECAN honored women members who have made significant contributions to the education sector.

 
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