Kathmandu, March 24

Handicraft experts and women rights activists today said women could earn their living and empower themselves by using their traditional skills.

Speaking at an interaction ‘Role of handicraft in women’s development’ organised by Nepal Lalit Kala Pragya Pratisthan today, they said women make handicraft items only for use at home, but they could earn their living if they used their skills professionally.

Mukesh Malla, an artist, said development of women through handicraft is possible if they worked as a team.

Shyambadan Shrestha, handicraft expert, said Nepal has a great potential to export handicraft items.

Sunita Regmi, an advocate, said there were lots of opportunities for women in the arts and crafts sector. “However, women often have dual responsibilities. This makes it difficult for them to excel professionally,” she said.