KATHMANDU, April 19: A delegation led by Federation of Women Entrepreneurs Associations of Nepal (FWEAN) President Shobha Gyawali met with President Ram Chandra Paudel to discuss the promotion and development of women entrepreneurship in the country.
FWEAN has been actively supporting women’s economic and social empowerment for over 20 years. District associations have been established in 67 of the 77 districts and FWEAN has attracted over 5,400 women entrepreneurs to her network.
During the meeting, FWEAN President Gyawali briefed President Paudel about the recent International Women’s Trade Expo Nepal held from March 29 to April 2, 2024. The expo was attended by women entrepreneurs from all over the country along with international delegations. Inaugurated by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, the event was enriched with various workshops, discussions and embassy representatives.
FWEAN President Gyawali stressed the importance of improving the living standards of women for the country’s overall economic development. She called for next year’s budget to include programs and budgets focused on improving the economic status of women through entrepreneurship.
The main proposals submitted to President Paudel include: active participation of women in professional activities, subsidized financial access and market management support, protection and development of indigenous entrepreneurship, and support for women-led enterprises. We support subsidized loan programs, financial literacy programs for women, financing for women’s businesses, trade fair participation and alignment with international export standards.
In response, President Paudel expressed his pleasure in meeting women entrepreneurs from various fields. He acknowledged the potential to promote local production to create jobs and reduce dependence on foreign employment. He assured FWEAN that he would convey his concerns and suggestions to relevant agencies for policy and budget consideration.
The conference concluded with a shared vision of empowering women, driving economic growth and achieving national development goals through entrepreneurship.
