Bardiya, Aug 31: Shova Gyawali, President of the Federation of Women Entrepreneurs, said the slogan “Eat local, wear local, promote entrepreneurship” is becoming meaningful in Nepal. She noted that women entrepreneurs have been organized under the federation for decades, and their efforts are now showing results.
Speaking at the third general assembly of the Gulariya Women Entrepreneurs’ Association in Bardiya on Saturday, Gyawali said, “I see domestically produced goods being used in government offices and meeting halls these days. That gives the sense that our slogan of consuming and wearing local products is finally gaining meaning.”
As the chief guest at the event, Gyawali stressed that the country cannot prosper without the growth of domestic, small, and medium industries. “Only if the country prospers will its citizens prosper. For that, we must establish, operate, and expand small and medium industries,” she said, adding that her federation has been working for this cause.
She expressed happiness at the growing participation of women in small and medium enterprises. “Women’s engagement in entrepreneurship is increasing, but they still need encouragement. Local, provincial, and federal governments should support their enthusiasm and determination,” Gyawali said.
Formal doesn’t have to be boring
She added that using locally produced goods would improve the financial status of women entrepreneurs. “Through the federation, we have managed to arrange exhibitions and sales of goods made by entrepreneurs not just in Nepal but abroad as well,” she said.
Gyawali also highlighted that the federation is working to provide concessional loans at three per cent interest for those who want to be self-employed through entrepreneurship. “We pushed for a policy that allows concessional loans of up to 2.5 million rupees for five years. Women can benefit from this facility,” she said.
The program was chaired by Uma Pant, President of the Gulariya Women Entrepreneurs’ Association. Khadkabahadur Khadka, Mayor of Bansgadhi Municipality, attended as a special guest and said the municipality has been running different programs to encourage women entrepreneurs. He noted that women’s entrepreneurship supports not only economic growth but also social and national change.
Also present at the assembly were Lumbini Province Chair of the Federation, Saraswati Sharma Parajuli, and Goma Upreti, among others.
Regmi Elected Unopposed
Meanwhile, the assembly unanimously elected a new working committee of the Gulariya Women Entrepreneurs’ Association under the leadership of Upama Regmi. The 14-member committee was chosen during the third general meeting and convention.
Elected members include Sangeeta Thapa as First Vice President, Radhika Gyawali Poudel as Second Vice President, Mina Chaudhary as Secretary, Karun Kumari Pandey as Joint Secretary, and Sunita Chaudhary as Treasurer. Other members elected were Indira Subedi, Rupa Bajgain, Chandra Wali, Shanti Sunar, Tika Shamseli Magar, Basanti Joshi, and Radha Kunwar.
The newly elected committee was sworn in by Federation President Gyawali.
