KATHMANDU, Sept 21: Director of Nepal Republic Media Limited Shova Gyawali has called on the government to recognize the media industry as an essential private sector and to prioritize the implementation of women entrepreneurship-friendly policies.
Speaking at a meeting with Prime Minister Sushila Karki and cabinet members on Sunday, Gyawali recalled the hardships faced by media entrepreneurs during the recent Gen Z unrest. She stressed that despite personal losses, media professionals continued to serve the nation, but their contributions have yet to be acknowledged.
“Our reporters and photographers were on the frontlines, even as our newsrooms and homes were burning. Despite personal losses, we continued to fulfill our duty to the nation. Now, with Dashain approaching, those frontline reporters deserve recognition and support. Unfortunately, media owners themselves are left without offices, without homes and without acknowledgment,” she said.
Media Action Nepal slams FM Rana for threatening NRM Director G...
Gyawali, who also heads the Federation of Women Entrepreneurs’ Associations of Nepal (FWEAN), urged the government to implement policies that have long been introduced but remain unexecuted. “These policies exist on paper, but their implementation has lagged for years. We urge the government to prioritize execution so women in business can benefit in practice,” she added. She noted that FWEAN has been advocating for such reforms for over two decades.
The meeting was also attended by Finance Minister Rameshwor Khanal, Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal and representatives of business organizations, including Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) President Chandra Prasad Dhakal.
On the occasion, Home Minister Aryal, who also oversees the portfolio of law ministry, suggested that the business community consider public-private partnerships to channel corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds toward rebuilding police infrastructure. “Ensuring safety and vigilance is crucial not only for ordinary people but also for businesses. Cooperation between the state and private sector can play an important role in strengthening security,” he said.
