Nepal Women Chamber honours 75 pioneer women as NCC marks 75th anniversary

KATHMANDU: Nepal Women Chamber organised a programme titled 'Honouring Pioneer Women of Nepal' in Kathmandu on Thursday to mark the 75th anniversary of Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC).

At the event, 75 women were recognised for their lifelong contributions to women’s empowerment and social development. Former president Dr Ram Baran Yadav presented certificates of honour to the recipients.

Among those honoured were Asta Laxmi Shakya, the first woman provincial chief minister in Nepal; Ruby Rana Shah, the first Miss Nepal; Bhawani Rana, the first woman president of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI); Pratistha Amatya Bista, holder of a Guinness World Records entry for memory power; Shanti Chadha, recognised for leading entrepreneurship development in Nepal; Sabitri Khadka, the first female representative of the Para Force; Padmasana Shakya; and the late Amrita Kathayat, who established a school in rural Karnali and was honoured as 'Karnali Ki Chhori' The Daughter of Karnali. Other honourees included the late Angur Baba Joshi, the late Uma Pandey and Chandani Joshi.

Addressing the gathering, Nepal Women Chamber Chairperson Urmila Shrestha said women’s roles have moved far beyond the boundaries of home and community and are gaining recognition and influence on a global stage. She said Nepali women are increasingly shaping the nation through active participation in sectors such as industry and trade.

“Until women are genuinely given respect, equal opportunities, financial access, education, skills development and a place in leadership, true and holistic development will continue to fall short,” Shrestha said.

She added that women are making their mark across handicrafts, agriculture, tourism, information technology, manufacturing and innovation, and that their achievements are driving meaningful social change.

However, she warned that critical hurdles remain, including policy-level gaps, limited financial access, bureaucratic red tape and persistent discrimination that must be urgently addressed.

She expressed optimism about the future, saying the recently concluded elections and the fresh mandate they have delivered have strengthened the confidence of both local and international investors. She said she hoped political will would translate into the effective roll-out of policies and development initiatives and noted that while private sector sentiment remains fragile, the banking system holds ample capital ready for investment if an enabling environment is created.

NCC President Kamlesh Kumar Agarwal, who also spoke at the event, acknowledged the growing impact of women’s leadership and participation across the country. He said women’s involvement in politics, society, health, education, industry, commerce and entrepreneurship has brought fresh energy to Nepal’s broader development journey.