The British School hosts Ellevate Nepal: a conference for future female leaders

KATHMANDU: More than 40 female student leaders from Grades 9 to 12 pitched innovative business ideas on day five of Ellevate Nepal, a conference for future female leaders held in the last week of June. They competed for Rs 80,000 in seed funding.

The panel of “Dragons” comprised Rajani Khadka and Sally Duncan of the British Embassy, Sailesh Kumar Jha from AECC Nepal, and Caroline Drumm, principal of The British School Kathmandu.

Ideas ranged from sustainable hygiene (आत्म Care) and mental health education (Prerita) to eco-friendly dental care (Toothy), biochar farming (Ecocharm), comfort-first fashion (Aram), tech support for seniors (Maitri), planting kits (Sano Bagaicha), superstition-busting podcasts (Khulla Kura) and trail-cleaning jewellery (पहाडी Yak).

The winning team, आत्म Care, led by Sana Agrawal of The British School and Sita Bhatta of Tika Vidyashram, pitched reusable period pads, bamboo toothbrushes and a self-care book for women in rural Nepal.

UK Ambassador to Nepal, Rob Fenn, commended Nepal’s progress despite social challenges, encouraged a “glass half full” outlook and especially praised the leadership and initiative shown by the girls from The British School. 

Catherine Williams, Academic Assistant Head at The British School, said, “What stood out most was the team spirit; seeing girls from diverse schools connect, collaborate and grow together is truly heartening and empowering.”