KATHMANDU, NOVEMBER 2
The British Ambassador to Nepal Nicola Pollitt has said that she is ready to work together for the development of women entrepreneurship and innovation in Nepal.
In the discussion programme organised by the Women's Leadership Forum (WLF) under the Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) on the promotion of innovative business and women entrepreneurship in Nepal, Ambassador Pollitt said that the UK is ready to move ahead in collaboration with the private sector of Nepal.
Stating that women entrepreneurs can lead the society in development, Ambassador Pollitt highlighted the need for development of women entrepreneurship in the present context. She said that more women should become entrepreneurs as women entrepreneurs inspire and motivate more women to become entrepreneurs.
Stating that women entrepreneurs are facing problems not only in Nepal but also in the UK, she mentioned that COVID-19 has exacerbated the issues faced by women entrepreneurs.
Ambassador Pollitt also underlined the critical role mentorship plays in promoting of women entrepreneurs and their innovative businesses.
Speaking on the occasion, CNI President Vishnu Kumar Agrawal said that although women entrepreneurs have been successful in Nepal, they still face a big hurdle in terms of financial access. He also highlighted that the problems arise from women from the family level itself.
He further said that the government has provided a challenge fund of Rs one billion for the promotion of innovative businesses but it has not been implemented due to lack of working procedures.
He also expressed confidence that the government would soon take this forward.
Chhaya Sharma, the chairperson of the WLF under the confederation, said that women empowerment is necessary for poverty alleviation in Nepal.
She also informed that the confederation is working for the development and empowerment of women entrepreneurs in Nepal.
Members of the Women Leadership Forum discussed the promotion of women entrepreneurs and innovative businesses in Nepal in the programme.
A version of this article appears in the print on November 3, 2021, of The Himalayan Times.
