Prime Highlights :
- Speakers said representation alone is not enough and called for economic independence and meaningful participation in decision-making for women.
- Pandey said she launched her business at 49 to build an independent identity, proving that age and qualifications do not determine success.
Key Facts :
- Nirbhik Nari is an annual conclave now in its sixth edition, organised to examine issues surrounding gender equality and women’s empowerment across business, politics and civil society.
- Aama ko Achar, founded by Sangita Pandey with just Rs3,000, now exports its products to more than 50 countries.
Background :
Women leaders, entrepreneurs, lawmakers and activists met in Kathmandu on Wednesday to discuss the challenges and opportunities women face in leadership, politics and public life. Speakers at the event said representation alone is not enough without economic independence, institutional support and meaningful participation in decision-making.
The discussions took place at the sixth edition of Nirbhik Nari, an annual conclave that brings together voices from business, politics, civil society and advocacy to examine issues around gender equality and women’s empowerment.
One full-day event featured sessions on leadership, online harassment, political participation and inclusion.
The opening session, titled Pathways to Leadership, featured Sangita Pandey, founder of Aama ko Achar; jewellery entrepreneur Radhika Adukia; Laxmi Uprety, head of finance for KFC and Pizza Hut Nepal; and healthcare professional turned entrepreneur Binjul Shrestha. Moon Pradhan, chairperson of the Leadership Committee at Zonta Club, moderated the session.
The panellists, though from different professional backgrounds, pointed to common themes: self-confidence, financial independence, resilience and family support.
Pandey said she started her business at 49 with an initial investment of Rs3,000 after receiving pickle-making training in India. What began as a kitchen venture with 10 kilograms of chillies has since grown into a brand that exports to more than 50 countries. She said her drive was not a financial necessity but a desire to build her own identity.
Adukia said she chose to build an independent career after her undergraduate studies rather than join her family business. She said her motivation came from a desire to bring transparency and consumer protection to the jewellery sector.
