They struggled, worked hard, and attained success in their respective fields. Living an independent life, these women have proved that there is nothing a woman can’t do. With the International Women's Day approaching (March 8), these women from different walks of life share with The Himalayan Times their understanding of women empowerment and what it takes to become Women empowerment for you Women empowerment is being successful in whatever field you are in, be it in business or being a wife or a mother. Are you empowered? I am known as a singer but I am also a good wife and mother now. Before marriage, I was a teenager who wanted to have fun. I have matured and understood what empowerment is, after my marriage. As a wife, I have been able to guide my husband, co-operating with him in whatever work we do and in music. I have not failed him as a wife. And I have tried my best to raise my child (daughter) without missing on anything as a mother. Condition in Nepal Women, especially of the Capital are empowered. If you look around, there are women doing things and they are successful. These women have made a name for themselves and have contributed to the society.

— Yankey Ongmu Lepcha, Vocalist, April Rush

Women empowerment for you Self-confidence in women is empowerment for me. Self-confidence helps them become determined and achieve things in life. Without confidence, women can never speak up for themselves. In spite of having skills and capabilities, they can’t excel in any field in the absence of confidence. Are you empowered? My education and work have empowered me. Support from my family has also empowered me. Without their support — before and after marriage — I wouldn’t have been able to attain education or able to utilise the knowledge gained from my education. Condition in Nepal In urban areas of Nepal, most women have not understood what women empowerment is — they think women who don’t work in office are not empowered. But I feel a woman able to manage her home independently is also empowerment. Our rural areas still are male-dominated and there are many restrictions for women. At times, women are the ones restricting women from doing many things. Women empowerment is possible only when there is unity among women. And giving rights to women begins from their homes.

— Saurganga Darshandhari, Visual Artist and Founder of Bindu a space for artists

Women empowerment for you Advocating for equal rights of men and women is not empowerment. Women empowerment is all about women being able to understand their rights so that they can enjoy it. Are you empowered? I have enjoyed equal rights with men, and have been able to make a career of my own — these things make me feel that I am empowered. Yet there are times when people pass negative comment on my works, just because I am a woman and I feel bad. Condition in Nepal There is equality between men and women in some places. But at times women have been marginalised. I feel women themselves are responsible for such things as we often take ourselves for granted. If a little effort and courage is shown by women to come to the fore using their capability and skills, then I think we won’t need to chant the slogan of women empowerment. Women need to make decisions on their own rather than depending upon men, it will help them get a step closer towards being empowered.

— Sirjana Subba, Theatre Artiste

Women empowerment for you It usually starts from home. Whether a woman is empowered or not depends upon the education she is provided with and how she has been able to utilise her education. If she gets support from her family, is able to utilise her education and enjoy freedom, then she is empowered. Are you empowered? I was married at 21. Since then I haven’t been restricted from doing anything by my husband. I am an educated woman who has always enjoyed equal rights as men. I have been directing movies and I don’t need to depend on my husband economically. But he has always supported me in my career. Living my life to the fullest to date, I feel I am an empowered woman. Condition in Nepal People are superficial here — despite being educated, men have always tried to suppress women. Women are dominated and marginalised in our society even today.

— Samjhana Upreti Rauniar, Film Director

Women empowerment for you There is a need for woman to take lead in her life. It is about a woman making a choice of her own. It is about a woman being able to utilise her skills and capabilities to the full potential without being discriminated. It is such a state where a woman would not feel injustice or any form of discrimination. Are you empowered? Of course yes, but it is situational. Living a free life, working without restrictions and making decisions and choices on my own make me feel that I am empowered as a woman. But sometimes I feel I am not empowered as women in Nepal have been discriminated by the state in terms of our identity and citizenship. Also at times we are not allowed to work in certain positions due to the gender and it makes me feel that I am not empowered. Condition in Nepal While looking at the urban areas of our country there is empowerment. People are educated and are aware of their equal rights and freedom. They know how to seek for opportunities. They talk freely here. But the plight is not the same in rural areas. Women lack education and even are discriminated. There is lot more to go.

— Bivishika Bhandari, Mentor/Director, The Vagina Monologues