SATV, July 11, Kathmandu: Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli has hailed the growing presence and achievements of women in entrepreneurship, calling it a positive shift that is contributing significantly to Nepal’s economy. Addressing the International Women's Leadership Conference 2025, held in Lalitpur to mark the 22nd anniversary of the Federation of Woman Entrepreneurs’ Association of Nepal (FWEAN), PM Oli emphasized the pivotal role women can play in national development.

Highlighting the government’s commitment, PM Oli stated that Nepal will continue to revise policies and expand services aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs. “At present, female students are outperforming their male counterparts, and this progress is a crucial foundation for women's leadership and entrepreneurship,” said Oli.

The event witnessed the presence of several high-profile figures, including Minister for Industry, Commerce, and Supplies Damodar Bhandari, Minister for Forests and Environment Aain Bahadur Shahi Thakuri, and Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, His Excellency Chen Song.

In his remarks, Ambassador Chen expressed satisfaction over the increasing involvement of Nepali women in the country’s broader development efforts, noting their rising engagement in advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence. He further emphasized the importance of Nepal-China collaboration in environmental conservation and called for stronger bilateral partnerships.

Speaking on the occasion, FWEAN President Shova Gyawali expressed pride in the organization’s 22-year journey, asserting that women are increasingly proving their leadership abilities across all sectors. “The time now belongs to women leaders,” she said, adding that women’s growing involvement in entrepreneurship and innovation is a matter of national pride.

The event also featured several panel discussions. Former Indian diplomat Veena Sikri, during a session, highlighted how women often hold specialized knowledge in essential resources such as food, water, and energy, making them key contributors in tackling environmental challenges.

Nepali entrepreneur Samriddhi Gyawali stressed the need for adopting modern entrepreneurial models and urged the government to create energy-related policies that are more environmentally friendly. She also criticized the lack of basic infrastructure, such as early warning sirens, in Nepal’s remote but hydrologically sensitive regions.

The conference, according to organizers, served as a platform for advocating women's empowerment and aimed to inspire women engaged in enterprise across Nepal.