KATHMANDU, SEPTEMBER 1
The South Asian Women Development Forum (SAWDF) held its Annual General Meeting in Kathmandu on Friday, marking a significant milestone in the organization's ongoing efforts to empower women entrepreneurs across Nepal and South Asia.
The event featured guests, including Patricia Fernandez-Pacheco, UN Women's Country Representative to Nepal, and Dr. Bhola Thapa, Vice Chancellor of Kathmandu University. Kathmandu University, serving as the technical partner for SAWDF's Women Entrepreneurs Parks in Provinces 3 and 1, plays a pivotal role in providing technical support and knowledge for these initiatives.
In her address, Fernandez-Pacheco underscored the urgent need to accelerate gender equality to build a more inclusive economy. Speaking on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for women, she highlighted the critical importance of making significant changes to achieve the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. Fernandez-Pacheco emphasized that without decisive action, the goal of creating an equitable and sustainable future for all will remain out of reach.
Dr. Thapa, emphasized the pivotal role that education plays in empowering women and advancing gender equity. He proudly noted that nearly half of the institution's graduates are women, with many of them excelling as doctors, nurses, midwives, IT professionals, and other key fields. Dr. Thapa's remarks underscore the transformative impact of education on women's lives and its broader implications for achieving gender equality.
Dr. Thapa, emphasized the pivotal role that education plays in empowering women and advancing gender equity. He proudly noted that nearly half of the institution's graduates are women, with many of them excelling as doctors, nurses, midwives, IT professionals, and other key fields. Dr. Thapa's remarks underscore the transformative impact of education on women's lives and its broader implications for achieving gender equality.
In her address, SAWDF President Pramila Acharya Rijal reflected on the organization's significant milestones and challenges over the past ten years, underscoring its unwavering commitment to advancing the economic empowerment of women in Nepal and South Asia.
Yankila Sherpa, Senior Vice President of SAWDF, Member of Provincial Assembly, Bagmati Province, and Former Minister for Tourism, also spoke at the event, highlighting the role that SAWDF could play in promoting the tourism sector, leveraging its strong presence across South Asia.
The event also featured a special ceremony honoring the organization's founder members for their invaluable contributions to SAWDF's establishment and growth. The honorees included Meera Jyoti, Shreejana Rana, Samjhana Acharya, Dr. Sheela Verma, and Swastika Sirohiya-who was represented by her daughter-in-law, Shrinkhala Khatiwada.
The event saw the participation of a large number of member organizations. The gathering provided a platform for reflection, discussion, and planning for the future as SAWDF continues its mission to support and uplift women entrepreneurs in Nepal and South Asia, the SAWDF stated.
