MAHOTTARI, 16: Shova Gyawali, President of the Federation of Women Entrepreneurs’ Association Nepal (FWEAN), has said that women in Madhesh are advancing in all sectors.
Speaking at a program on Friday organized for the selection of the Madhesh Province working committee in Bardibas, Gyawali noted that women in Madhesh are now capable of sustaining themselves through trade and business.
“Two to three years ago, women’s participation in such programs in Madhesh was minimal. But now, looking at the turnout, it is clear they have become aware. With proper state support, these women can start their own businesses and become self-reliant,” she said.
President Gyawali also highlighted that products made by women in their communities are now reaching different parts of the country. She emphasized that economic empowerment of women is the key objective of the association, adding that it regularly engages with relevant bodies in Kathmandu to support women’s income-generation activities.
Shova Gyawali elected president of FWEAN
“We are connected with women across various districts, and their products are reaching different regions. The association’s aim is to promote business by selling products from the mountains in the hills and products from the hills in Madhesh, thereby encouraging entrepreneurship,” she said.
She warned that without strong economic empowerment, women remain marginalized and financially weak. “Women must engage in business to achieve financial stability. The state is providing investment support, and women should make the most of it,” she added, urging women to commit to becoming entrepreneurs using available state resources.
Gyawali also said that the government provides concessional loans ranging from Rs 5 to 25 lakh for women entrepreneurs. “A business proposal outlining the required investment must be submitted, and the association is ready to facilitate this process,” she said.
Special guest Pralhad KC, mayor of Bardibas Municipality, Mahottari, assured that the municipality is ready to support women entrepreneurs financially. “Even in the last fiscal year, we provided support for local women’s businesses. The municipality will continue to back women entrepreneurs in the future,” he said.
Sunaina Thakur, newly elected secretary of the provincial committee, credited the FWEAN Women for inspiring her to start a business. Recalling a women’s entrepreneurship fair organized by the association in Kathmandu nine years ago, she said, “President Gyawali invited women from all 77 districts for the fair, which greatly encouraged us to start our businesses.”
Thakur also expressed concern that women’s household work often goes unrecognized, emphasizing that women must earn an income to enhance their self-respect and social value.
The nine-member provincial committee formed on Friday includes Dev Kumari (Sabina) as President, Chanchala Das as vice-president, Sunaina Thakur as secretary, and Januka Chaulagai as treasurer. Members include Pratima Koirala, Sangam Kumari Gole, Lila Thakur, Parwati Chaudhary, and Nibha Das.
President Gyawali administered the oath of office and confidentiality to the newly elected provincial committee. Upon taking charge, President Dev Kumari pledged to support women entrepreneurs, saying, “I have previously worked to strengthen women economically through business. Now, with additional responsibility, I will stand by women entrepreneurs.”
