About The Summit

Instituted for the very first time this year, CNI Women’s Leadership Forum will hold the Women’s Leadership Summit 23 on March 25th & 26th, 2023 to address, deliberate and find solutions to three key areas of women’s leadership in the aftermath of the Covid 19 pandemic. It is an opportunity for gender equality champions and women leaders to exchange ideas, share strategies, celebrate successes, be encouraged, and learn from each other in a two-day summit that is designed to challenge and inspire.


The WLS23 isn’t about seeking recognition for women’s leadership potential, it is about educating, enabling and empowering women leaders for transformative impact. The power-packed sessions, keynote addresses and fireside dialogues will feature multigeneration experts who understand this transformative process.

art by Erina Tamrakar

THE WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP SUMMIT WILL DEBATE, DISCUSS, DELIBERATE ON CORE THEMES OF:

We are at a time when the world cannot ignore the advantages of women’s leadership as equal partners in development and innovation. Peace agreements are 35% more likely to last at least 15 years if women are engaged in its creation and execution. Comprising only some 8% of political leaders globally, women have accounted for an estimated 40% of the most successful responses to Covid-19.

What has been different in women’s leadership? Emphasis on consultation and collaboration, consistent communication and encouraging values of cooperation and empathy. All leaders have some measure of power in that they can influence and determine priorities for other individuals, but leadership cannot be a synonym for holding power.

We are still operating with models of leadership designed primarily by and for men. But as more women ascend to significant leadership positions globally and we overcome barriers to female leadership, there will be a paradigm shift towards more equal, inclusive, gender neutral and progressive environments. Melinda Gates has eloquently asserted: Women are not just victims of a broken world; they can be architects of a better one. To embrace transformative leadership requires that shift in perspective and conversations that hold the power to create change.

art by Erina Tamrakar

WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP

will debate on aspects of engendering democracy and the need for more women in political and business leadership, decision making and institution building, We will also deliberate on why more women in leadership roles will build a stronger post pandemic world and how we can undo systemic inequality and eliminating gender gap in the workplace. The panelists will talk about the leadership purpose of women, advancing women’s leadership, and the pillars to empowered leadership for women in politics, economics and social change.

WOMEN & ECONOMICS

Gender balance is not solely a women’s issue, but also an economic issue. When women hold leadership positions, their companies are more profitable: companies in the top quartile for gender diversity on executive teams are 21% more likely to outperform the national average. While women have been hardest hit by Covid 19, they are also often leading the way in “building forward better.” Many women entrepreneurs have responded to the incredible challenges with both grit and innovation, pivoting rapidly to cope with the impact of the crisis and help create better futures. The panelists will deliberate on how economic shocks impact women and men led businesses differently, the resilience factor of how women should prepare for business in the post pandemic world, the importance of financial and digital literacy for women led MSMEs, what is gender lens investing, and the policy interventions required to promote women’s economic empowerment.

WOMEN AS CHANGE AGENTS

Attitudes towards gender equality vary vastly from country to country. Women changemakers continue to catalyse urgent and sustained action to achieve gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls. From the climate crisis to ending violence against women, from economic empowerment to seeking political participation and ending discrimination, women continue to lead the way for a more gender-neutral world. Our panel of experts will force you to think about why leadership is about being a good human being first, why gender equality and inclusion are essential to the success of sustainable energy initiatives, why social change matters and why we should care. Our experts will also delve into topics of the trials and triumphs of being women in arts, how our current education and health models can become more accessible to all, what is the true nature of philanthropy, the shadow pandemic which saw an increase in violence against women, and an insight into what the world would look like without activists and agents of change.

art by Erina Tamrakar

FIRESIDE DIALOGUES

These conversations have been curated to learn and engage with some of the world’s best minds from diverse fields. They are people who have overcome fear, walked the extra mile, and created extraordinary impact in their areas of expertise. They have captivated audiences with their incredible life. They will talk about the choices they have had to make to own their life journey and give us insight into what leadership means to them, their work, how they stand committed to advancing the ideals they believe in and the impact they want to create in the world.

EMPOWER ENABLE ENGAGE

MARKET PLACE

Experience an onsite exhibition curated specifically for women handicrafts from different parts of Nepal. From handwoven textiles, handmade Nepali white papers to ceramics, pashminas, metalworks and more. The marketplace brings together diverse group of women enterprenuers in the handicraft business.

RECOGNIZING WOMEN LEADERS

The Summit will recognize an inspirational woman for 2023 for her achievements, impact, and leadership prowess.

SUMMIT DECLARATION

The outcome of the Summit beyond being a space for great learning and networking is also to present a set of declarations to the Government of Nepal, development partners and to partner organizations of the Confederation of Nepalese Industries in various countries to adopt its values.

Be it across boardrooms, politics, or the media, leadership should not make women feel that they need to be more “masculine” to succeed, or men fear showing “feminine” traits. Leadership should be about having certain universal key principles. Women represent only 1 in 4 members of parliament worldwide and are just 34% of those elected to local governments. And higher up the echelons of power, women are fewer in numbers. They are less than 10% of Heads of State and Government. And more than 100 countries have never had a woman executive. While the goal is to increase women’s leadership at local, national, regional, and global levels, the summit is also about building meaningful engagement and partnerships that advocate a better world for all. Gender equal societies are more peaceful and more prosperous and balanced leadership is the key to unlock our common challenges.

CNI Women’s Leadership Forum invites you to join us in our commitment to build female leadership and equality.

A special evening has been designed for the delegates to experience the rich traditional culture and diversity of the country. Nepal is known for its food and this evening will offer a taste of the some of the very best of Nepalese cuisine and our warm hospitality

What you'll discover at
Women’s Leadership Summit 2023

EXHIBITION BY LOCAL WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS
CULTURAL & FASHION EXTRAVAGANZA
HONORING WOMEN ICONS

Event sessions

Many power-packed sessions to choose from leaders across generation.

BUSINESS


TAKING GENDER OUT OF THE EQUATION

This session explores the global movement towards increasing women’s participation in entrepreneurship and ownership of business: can we achieve 50-50 representation by 2030?

Nirvana Chaudhary

Moderator

Santona Malakar

Associate, SAFAL Partners

Santona Malakar is working as an Associate at SAFAL Partners, an operations-focused investment firm. At SAFAL, she assisted the leadership in raising angel funds from private Nepali investors and administering the fund to three young, growth-oriented local companies. At the moment, she is leading the Nepal-side operations of a South-Asia-wide regional angel investment alliance for women entrepreneurs as a part of a USAID-funded project titled DAI SARDI.

Ameya Prabhu

Ameya Prabhu

Managing Director, NAFA Capital (India)

Ameya Prabhu is an entrepreneur and the Managing Director of NAFA Capital Advisors Pvt. Ltd,. He also is a Partner in UAP Advisors LLP. UAP Advisors is a financial services, principal investment and sustainability & renewable energy strategic advisory firm focused on India and other emerging markets.

Ameya Prabhu

Archana Bhatnagar

President, MAWE | MD, Haylide Chemicals

Archana Bhatnagar is a game changer with her green chemicals company. A first-generation entrepreneur, she is a strong, passionate leader and mentor to women entrepreneurs.

Ameya Prabhu

Dr. Prativa Pandey

CEO, Herveda Botanicals

Dr. Prativa Pandey, Founder and CEO of Catalyst Technologies and Herveda Botanicals, is a researcher and entrepreneur. A prestigious OWSD Early Career Fellowship and a national Science and Technology award were given to her in 2019.

Ameya Prabhu

Ajit Bikram Shah

CEO, Lotus Holding

Ajit Bikram Shah, Director and CEO of Lotus Holdings, a venture capital enterprise.

POLITICS


THE FEMALE POLITICAL CAREER

This session will explore the current landscape when it comes to equitable gender representation in the political sphere, investigating the structural barriers that limit women’s meaningful participation, and what substantive representation actually looks like, especially for women.

Nirvana Chaudhary

Moderator

Mr. Yubaraj Ghimire

Editor, Deshsanchar (Nepal)

Yubaraj Ghimire is currently the editor of Deshsanchar. A journalistic multimedia venture in Nepal. Previously, he worked as a journalist in prestigious Indian media like India Today, Outlook, The Telegraph and Indian Express.

Ameya Prabhu

Dr. Bina Basnet

Co-Founder, Hamro Sikkim Party

Service to people is what inspired her to become a doctor and a politician later. Dr. Bina Basnett completed her schooling from a government school in Sikkim and pursued MBBS, and MD from Gangtok. She has worked for people living with HIV/AIDS under the National AIDS Control Organization (2010-2011), substance abuse and mental health problems at IHBAS, Delhi (2011).

Ameya Prabhu

Hon'ble Sunita Dangol

Deputy Mayor, KMC

Sunita Dangol is a Nepali politician, Neva heritage protector, indigenous scripture activist, and media professional. She is currently Deputy Mayor of the Metropolitan City of Kathmandu.

Ameya Prabhu

Hon'ble Sumana Shrestha

Member of Parliament

Sumana Shrestha is a Nepalese politician, belonging to the Rastriya Swatantra Party. She is currently serving as the member of the House of Representatives in the 2nd Federal Parliament of Nepal. In the 2022 election she was elected as a proportional representative under the Indigenous People category.

Ameya Prabhu

Khushbu Oli

Independent Politician

Khushbu Oli is an independent politician. She is also an AFC Dream Asia Awards winner and a former model. Khushbu is also a prominent social activist

EMPOWERMENT


WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT IN RURAL NEPAL
- SUCCESS STORIES FROM THE PROVINCES

This session will enable a space for women from rural Nepal to share their stories. This will include stories of women from the seven provinces.

Ameya Prabhu

Moderator

Sajana Maharjan Amatya

Asia Foundation

Sajana Maharjan Amatya currently holds the position of leading the Foundation's data governance portfolio in Nepal. In this role, she also serves as the project director for the UK Aid-funded Data for Development program. Additionally, she is a member of the senior leadership team at the office. Prior to her current position, she held the esteemed position of chief of party for the $16.08 million Civil Society: Mutual Accountability Project. The project was funded by USAID and executed by FHI 360.

Ameya Prabhu

Arpana Pradhan Bhandary

Executive Member, FWEAN, Province 3

Arpana Pradhan Bhandary is a dedicated executive member of Federation of Women Entrepreneurs' Association of Nepal, Province 3. She is also a past President of WEAN Chitwan.

Ameya Prabhu

Mina Kumari Phulara

Member, FWEAN, Province 7

Mina Kumari Phulara is an executive member of Federation of Women Entrepreneurs' Association of Nepal (FWEAN), of Province 7 , Dadeldhura . Additionally, she has also served as an immediate past-president of FWEAN.

Ameya Prabhu

Saraswati Sharma

Founder, FWEAN, Province 7

Saraswati Sharma is the founder of WEAN Chapter, Nepalgunj, Province 5. She is serving as an executive member of FWEAN.

No photo

Girija Chittlangia Sharda

Social Activist, Province 1

Girija Chittlangia Sharda is a social activist and a board member of CNI Province 1.

CLIMATE CHANGE


CREATING MORE
WOMEN CLIMATE LEADERS

On one hand, women tend to be the most vulnerable to climate-related disasters, and on the other, they play a crucial role in mitigating and adapting to climate change. This session will explore why it is so crucial to meaningfully engage the voices of women in dialogues around climate change, and create more women climate leaders.

Ameya Prabhu

Moderator

Suman Shakya

Founder/CEO, Tangent Waves

Suman Shakya is a certified trainer, entrepreneur, and consultant. He has over 20 years of entrepreneurial experience, including multiple startups, consulting, media, ICT, and over 15 years as an adjunct faculty member at business schools.

Ameya Prabhu

Sanjeevani Yonzon

Director, Wild Life Conservation

Ms. Sanjeevani Yonzon Shrestha is a well-known Environmentalist and Director at Wildlife Conservation Nepal. Her career spans a little over twenty years as a conservationist, educator, writer and a humanitarian responder.

Ameya Prabhu

Sita Adhikari

Entrepreneur

Sita Adhikari is a Co-Founder and Director of Impact at Pollinate Group. With the assistance of Pollinate Group, she successfully spearheaded an award-winning model to train women from disadvantaged communities in Nepal and India to become successful entrepreneurs as the founder of Kalpavriksha.

Ameya Prabhu

Bhushan Tuladhar

Entrepreneur

Bhushan Tuladhar is an environmental scientist who heads the Environment Department and is a member of the Kathmandu Metropolitan City Planning Commission. He is also the Executive Director of Clean Energy Nepal and the Environment and Public Health Organization.

Ameya Prabhu

Prakriti Mainali

Entrepreneur

Prakriti Mainali is the founder of Shakti Milan, a company that converts used rice sacks into bags for export. Awarded with the Nepal government's National Youth Talent Award 2021 also, serves on the board of the Social Entrepreneurship Fund of Nepal's Ministry of Women, Children, and Senior Citizens.

DIGITAL


TOOLS TO BRING WOMEN TO THE
FOREFRONT OF DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

Amun Thapa

Moderator

Amun Thapa

Founder, SastoDeal

Amun Thapa is the founder of SastoDeal.com, one of the most popular eCommerce sites in Nepal. He is an entrepreneur juggler who is the owner/co-owner of the other four ventures Sasto Book, Irish Pub, Chhahari Production, and Anthropose and is also associated with Khalisisi.

Aanchal Kunwar

Sonika Manandhar

Founder, Aloi Technology

Sonika Manandhar is a social entrepreneur and a Nepali computer engineer. She co-founded Aeloi Technologies, a fintech company that uses digital tokens to fund women micro-entrepreneurs.

Aanchal Kunwar

Karvika Thapa

CEO, Kimbu Tech

Karvika Thapa is the CEO of Kimbu Tech. She is passionate about "Women in Tech" and serves as Chairperson of Simjung Company and Director of V.S. International College.

Aanchal Kunwar

Rumee Singh

Co-Founder, Rumsan Group

Rumee Singh is a highly experienced digital professional who leverages technology and data analytics to support communities and drive positive social change. With a diverse background in social entrepreneurship, journalism, education, and engineering, she is recognized for her outstanding contributions to technology and society, including being featured as one of ten women making a difference with technology in Nepal.

Aanchal Kunwar

Amrita Sharma

ICT Employability Expert

Amrita Sharma is a progressive professional with 20 years of diversified experience in development sectors. She has completed PhD in Employability of ICT graduates in Nepal and also leading IT sector growth study in IIDS jointly with NAS-IT, World Bank, Dolma Impact Fund and its partners.

CHANGE AGENTS


LEADERSHIP SKILLS
THAT DRIVE CHANGE

Aanchal Kunwar

Moderator

Amuda Mishra

Founder, Ujyalo Foundation

Amuda Mishra is the founder and executive director of The Ujyalo Foundation, a feminist organization dedicated to the advancement of women's leadership and empowerment.

Jaivir Singh

Anupama Anand

Program Officer, BMGF

Anupama Anand is currently working as a Program Officer – Philanthropic Partnerships with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation which was established in India with the goal of improving the lives of millions of Indian people, working in collaboration with the Indian government and other partners on various issues, from health care and sanitation to gender equality, agricultural development, and financial empowerment of the most vulnerable populations.

Jaivir Singh

Neena Joshi

Senior Director for Asia Programs – Cooperative Development, Heifer International

Neena Joshi is a development professional with 20 years of experience in community development. As the Senior Director for Asia Programs at Heifer International, she provides strategic, technical, and programmatic support for cooperative development in Asia. She has led program development and management in Nepal, India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, and has contributed to research on social capital, child nutrition, and gender. She adapts research findings into effective program designs and approaches.

Jaivir Singh

Pukar Malla

Founder, Daayitwa

Pukar Malla is a leadership coach, community organizer, and innovation specialist. He is the Founder and Executive Director of Daayitwa, a non-profit that empowers youth to lead innovative solutions in government, business, and civil society sectors. As a former Senior Research Fellow at the Center for Public Leadership at Harvard Kennedy School, he developed frameworks for communities of innovators to lead change. He also worked as a Senior Innovation Policy Specialist at the World Bank, supporting governments in India, China, and Ghana to promote inclusive growth.

Jaivir Singh

Maggie Doyne

Founder, Blink Now Foundation

Maggie Doyne is a philanthropist from the United States who has built a children's home, a women's center, and a school in Surkhet, Nepal. In November 2015, she received the CNN Hero of the Year Award, and is the author of 'Between the Mountain and the Sky: A Mother's Story of Love, Loss, Healing, and Hope'.

Jaivir Singh

Shailee Chaudhary

Campaigner, Dalit Lives Matter

Shailee Chaudhary is a campaigner in Dalit Lives Matter, advocating for the rights of socially excluded groups and social inclusion. Growing up as a Queer person in Madhesh Province, Nepal, she has observed and experienced gender inequality and violence. Chaudhary has invested over six years in various initiatives and organizations, and has organized large-scale public dialogue events, such as TEDx Birgunj, to bring unheard voices and create inclusive spaces for the exchange of ideas and skills for social viability.

MEDIA & ENTERTAINMENT


ADDRESSING PERSISTENT
INEQUALITIES IN MEDIA

Jaivir Singh

Aakriti Ghimire

Journalist

Aakriti Ghimire is a Kathmandu Post reporter who focuses on social issues such as gender, queer issues, and climate change.

Jaivir Singh

Dil Bhusan Pathak

Chief Editor, Kantipur

Dil Bhusan Pathak is the editor-in-chief of Kantipur Television Network Pvt. Ltd. and a journalist. On Kantipur TV, he currently hosts the show Tough Talk with Dil Bhusan Pathak.

Jaivir Singh

Anushka Shrestha

Founder, Makkuse Nepal

Anushka Shrestha is the founder of Makkuse Nepal and the regional manager at Australian Catholic University. She was crowned Miss World Nepal 2019 on 9 May 2019. She also won Miss Nepal Oceania 2018.

Zaheer Iqbal

Rekha Thapa

Actor

Rekha is a versatile actor, filmmaker, and now a politician, who dons all her avatars with her signature style. Starting her career in the field of glamour with Miss Nepal in 1999, Rekha then joined films and has worked in more than 200 movies.

Zaheer Iqbal

Priya Sigdel

Founder, Hattihatti

Priya Sigdel is the President of HATTIHATTI Nepal, a non-profit organization that works to empower women from marginalized communities in Nepal through education and practical training giving them a chance to become skilled tailors, creative entrepreneurs and independent individuals. She is also a motivational speaker and trainer. Priya Sigdel is a development graduate passionate about making a difference to the lives of girls and women through her work in activism.

REGIONAL COOPERATION


EXPORT MARKET BARRIERS AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS SOUTH ASIA

Jaivir Singh

Francesco Tornieri

Principal Social Development Specialist (Gender and Development), South Asia Department, ADB

Francesco is ADB’s focal point for gender equality and social inclusion in South Asia. He promotes the visibility of gender equality, women's empowerment and social inclusion in the design, implementation and monitoring of ADB operations in South Asia. Prior to ADB, Francesco worked as Social Development Specialist in the Africa Region of the World Bank, where he was involved in the implementation of a broad range of social development, gender and development (GAD) and social protection related initiatives.

Zaheer Iqbal

Aasia Saail Khan

Director of Supply Chain, Schazoo Zaka Pvt. Ltd.

Aasia Saail Khan a Pharmacist, Fashion Entrepreneur, Gender Consultant, Development Expert, Supplychain Specialist, Policy and Planning for Gender Expert, Speaker on Entrepreneurship, Motivational Speaker, Certified Board Director, is also a Chevening Scholar. She is a perfect example of a woman leader in business and society of Pakistan. She is a passionate enthusiast for women development.

Zaheer Iqbal

Namgay Wangmo

Deputy CEO & Finance Manager, BAOWE

Namgay Wangmo is the Deputy CEO and Finance Manager in Bhutan Association of Women Entrepreneurs (BAOWE) Secretariat since 2010. She is responsible for overall financial management and administration of BAOWE’s programs and projects and overall management of BAOWE-Pelzhing Micro Finance Institution (licensed by Central Bank in 2017). The institutions were established to promote micro credit and saving habits among the low income groups who were denied access to financial services from Bhutan’s mainstream financial institutions.

Zaheer Iqbal

Sukirti Patnaaik

Chairperson INWEC, India

Sukirti Patnaaik is the Chairperson of INWEC National and Convenor of INWEC Odisha. Through INWEC, Sukirti is building an entrepreneurial ecosystem for women entrepreneurs in Odisha. She is also Founder and Managing Director of Indulge besides being the the General Body Member of Beauty & Wellness Sector Skill Center under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, India. She also serves in various advisory roles in different organisations.

Zaheer Iqbal

Shamama Arbab

Co–Founder, Euro Industries

Shamama Arbab is a co-founder of Euro Industries Pvt Ltd and a respected female industrialist in Khyber Pukhtoonkhwa. She holds various strategic positions, including Chairperson of Pakistan Stone Development Company and Board Member of The Indus Entrepreneurs TIE. She is also a founding member of South Asian Women Entrepreneurs Network and a member of the Advisory Council of National Skills University Islamabad.

Zaheer Iqbal

Abida Ali

Director, Bangladesh Women Chamber of Commerce and Industries

Abida Ali is a Director at the Bangladesh Women Chamber of Commerce and Industries, where she champions women's entrepreneurship and empowerment. She is a successful entrepreneur herself, with ventures in healthcare and education, and has been recognized with the "Inspiring Women Award" from the Global Women's Summit.

Zaheer Iqbal

Vidushi Rana

Member, CNIWLF

Vidushi Rana is the Branding and Marketing Director of Goldstar Shoes and a member of Women Leadership Forum of Confederation of Nepalese Industries, one of the leading footwear brands in Nepal. She is known as an inspiring role model for women and entrepreneurs in Nepal, having set a hallmark in the industry.

Zaheer Iqbal

Nahza Ibrahim

Former Secretary, Women in Tech

Nahza Ibrahim is a seasoned professional with over 15 years of experience in the IT industry. She is skilled in system analysis and design, agile software development, and IT service management, which has enabled her to deliver effective and efficient solutions to clients and organizations. As an IT Business Analyst at Housing Development Corporation, Nazha improves IT products and services, analyzes data, and provides technology solutions to meet business objectives.

POLICY


UNLOCKING POSSIBILITIES: WAYS TO INFLUENCE
POLICY TO ACCELERATE WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP

In this session, we will discuss how can we impact and influence policies at the local, provincial and central level to prioritize meaningful participation of women in leadership spaces.

Zaheer Iqbal

Bandana Rana

-Moderator-

Gender Expert

Bandana Rana has three decades of experience in promoting women’s rights and gender equality at the grassroots, national, regional and global level. She is one of the founders and currently the executive chair of Saathi a pioneer NGO working on violence against women and girls in Nepal.

Zaheer Iqbal

Mamta Siwakoti

Lawyer

Mamta Siwakoti is widely known as a “Digital Lawyer”. She is a young advocate with a track record of success in the fields of human rights, constitutional law, legal research, and policy formulation.

Zaheer Iqbal

Nandini Lahe-Thapa

Tourism Expert

Nandini Lahe-Thapa is the Nepal Tourism Board's Director of Tourism Marketing and Promotion.

Zaheer Iqbal

Reshu Aryal

Education Advisor, Kathmandu Metropolitan City

Reshu Aryal is an educator committed to improving equity and access to quality education for underserved children in Nepal.

Zaheer Iqbal

Sabnam Shiwakoti

Joint Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development

Sabnam Shiwakoti is Joint Secretary under the Ministry of Agricultural Development and has headed National Plant Quarantine Program, Postharvest Management Directorate, and is currently the Flagship Manager for Innovation and Agro-entrepreneurship Flagship Program.

Event sessions

Many power-packed sessions to choose from leaders across generation.

Event Speakers

Power-packed sessions, keynote addresses and dialogues with leaders across generation.

Ameya Prabhu

Ameya Prabhu

Managing Director, NAFA Capital (India)

Ameya Prabhu is an entrepreneur and the Managing Director of NAFA Capital Advisors Pvt. Ltd,. He also is a Partner in UAP Advisors LLP. UAP Advisors is a financial services, principal investment and sustainability & renewable energy strategic advisory firm focused on India and other emerging markets.

Ameya Prabhu

Archana Bhatnagar

President, MAWE | MD, Haylide Chemicals

ARCHANA BHATNAGAR is a game changer with her green chemicals company. A first-generation entrepreneur, she is a strong, passionate leader and mentor to women entrepreneurs.

Ameya Prabhu

Dr. Prativa Pandey

CEO, Herveda Botanicals

Dr. Prativa Pandey, Founder and CEO of Catalyst Technologies and Herveda Botanicals, is a researcher and entrepreneur. A prestigious OWSD Early Career Fellowship and a national Science and Technology award were given to her in 2019.

Ameya Prabhu

Ajit Bikram Shah

CEO, Lotus Holding

Ajit Bikram Shah, Director and CEO of Lotus Holdings, a venture capital enterprise.

Ameya Prabhu

Gagan Kumar Thapa

General Secretary, Nepali Congress

Gagan Kumar Thapa is the current General Secretary of the Nepali Congress and a Nepali politician and youth leader. He is currently a Member of Parliament in Nepal's House of Representatives, and Minister of Health and Population of Nepal.

Ameya Prabhu

Shazia Ilmi

Politician

Shazia Ilmi is a politician from India. She previously worked as a television journalist and anchor for Star News. She spearheaded a media campaign in support of an anti-corruption bill (to institute an ombudsman popularly known as the Jan Lokpal Bill).

Ameya Prabhu

Suman Shakya

Founder/CEO, Tangent Waves

Suman Shakya is a certified trainer, entrepreneur, and consultant. He has over 20 years of entrepreneurial experience, including multiple startups, consulting, media, ICT, and over 15 years as an adjunct faculty member at business schools.

Ameya Prabhu

Sita Adhikari

Entrepreneur

Sita Adhikari is a driven, motivated, and committed leader and entrepreneur. With the assistance of Pollinate Group, she successfully spearheaded an award-winning model to train women from disadvantaged communities in Nepal and India to become successful entrepreneurs as the founder of Kalpavriksha.

Ameya Prabhu

Bhusan Tuladhar

Entrepreneur

Bhushan Tuladhar is an environmental scientist who heads the Environment Department and is a member of the Kathmandu Metropolitan City Planning Commission. He is also the Executive Director of Clean Energy Nepal and the Environment and Public Health Organization.

Ameya Prabhu

Prakriti Mainali

Entrepreneur

Prakriti Mainali is the founder of Shakti Milan, a company that converts used rice sacks into bags for export. Awarded with the Nepal government's National Youth Talent Award 2021 also, serves on the board of the Social Entrepreneurship Fund of Nepal's Ministry of Women, Children, and Senior Citizens.

Amun Thapa

Amun Thapa

-Moderator-

Founder, SastoDeal (Nepal)

Amun Thapa is the founder of SastoDeal.com, one of the most popular eCommerce sites in Nepal. He is an entrepreneur juggler who is the owner/co-owner of the other four ventures Sasto Book, Irish Pub, Chhahari Production, and Anthropose and is also associated with Khalisisi.

Aanchal Kunwar

Aanchal Kunwar

Managing Director, DARAZ (Nepal)

Aanchal Kunwar, first female Managing Director of Nepal’s leading online marketplace, Daraz Nepal. During her 13+ years in the US corporate sector, she worked for various leading companies such as Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT) and e-commerce pioneer, Amazon, where she worked in establishing the company in new markets like Sweden, Poland, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt.

Aanchal Kunwar

Sonika Manandhar

Founder, Aloi Technology

Sonika Manandhar is a social entrepreneur and a Nepali computer engineer. She co-founded Aeloi Technologies, a fintech company that uses digital tokens to fund women micro-entrepreneurs.

Aanchal Kunwar

Karvika Thapa

CEO, Kimbu Tech

Karvika Thapa is the CEO of Kimbu Tech. She is passionate about "Women in Tech" and serves as Chairperson of Simjung Company and Director of V.S. International College.

Aanchal Kunwar

Siddharth Raja

Senior Speacilist for Technology & Jobs Company

Siddhartha Raja is a World Bank Senior Specialist for Technology and Jobs, where he leads the World Bank's thinking on how technology is reshaping the world of work, with a focus on the implications for skills and jobs today and in the future.

Aanchal Kunwar

Amuda Mishra

Founder, Ujyalo Foundation

Amuda Mishra is the founder and executive director of The Ujyalo Foundation, a feminist organization dedicated to the advancement of women's leadership and empowerment.

Aanchal Kunwar

Pradip Pariyar

Founder, Samata Foundation

Pradip Pariyar serves is the founder of Samata Foundation and has been named a Young Global Leader in the World Economic Forum's Class of 2020. Dalit Lives Matter Global Alliance (DLMGA) founder who currently leads the #DalitLivesMatter movement.

Arnav Kapoor

Arnav Kapoor

Global Lead / Philanthropic Partnership / Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (India)

Arnav Kapoor is a Global Lead at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, concentrating on Philanthropic Partnerships and Policy in India and Asia. Arnav previously worked with the India Global Growth and Opportunity team and also as a Consultant with Deloitte.

Jaivir Singh

Jaivir Singh

Executive Director, PricewaterouseCoopers Foundation (India)

Jaivir Singh is currently driving Corporate Responsibility for PricewaterhouseCoopers in India through the PwC India Foundation, additional responsibility as Executive Director in the India Chairman Office. He serves on the global corporate responsibility board of the PwC network.

Jaivir Singh

Maggie Doyne

Founder, Blick Now Foundation

Maggie Doyne is a philanthropist from the United States who has built a children's home, a women's center, and a school in Surkhet, Nepal. In November 2015, she received the CNN Hero of the Year Award, and is the author of 'Between the Mountain and the Sky: A Mother's Story of Love, Loss, Healing, and Hope'.

Jaivir Singh

Aakriti Ghimire

Journalist

Aakriti Ghimire is a Kathmandu Post reporter who focuses on social issues such as gender, queer issues, and climate change.

Jaivir Singh

Dil Bhusan Pathak

Chief Editor, Kantipur

Dil Bhusan Pathak is the editor-in-chief of Kantipur Television Network Pvt. Ltd. and a journalist. On Kantipur TV, he currently hosts the show Tough Talk with Dil Bhusan Pathak.

Zaheer Iqbal

Zaheer Iqbal

Model / Actor (Indian Cinema)

Zaheer Iqbal, also known as Zaheer Ratansi, is a budding face in Indian cinema. He has worked in movies like Notebook.

Zaheer Iqbal

Mamta Siwakoti

Lawyer

Mamta Siwakoti is widely known as a “Digital Lawyer”. She is a young advocate with a track record of success in the fields of human rights, constitutional law, legal research, and policy formulation.

Zaheer Iqbal

Nandini Lahe-Thapa

Tourism Expert

Nandini Lahe-Thapa is the Nepal Tourism Board's Director of Tourism Marketing and Promotion.

Zaheer Iqbal

Reshu Aryal

Education Advisor, Kathmandu Metropolitan City

Reshu Aryal is an educator committed to improving equity and access to quality education for underserved children in Nepal.

Ameya Prabhu

Ernesta Redi Neudert

Entrepreneur and Scientist

Ernesta Redi Neudert is a scientist and entrepreneur, who has extensive experience in the development of messages, international campaigns, and media strategy. She has provided public and business diplomacy, investment promotion, and communication strategies to governments, heads of state, and corporate clients.

SEQUENCE OF EVENTS FOR WLS23

INAUGURAL EVENT MARCH 25, SATURDAY

TIME: 9:30AM – 11:45 AM

9:30

AM

Guest Arrivals Tea / Coffee Service for all

VVIP Arrival- Welcoming PM/Ministers in VVIP Lounge

10:00

AM

National Anthem | Ganesh Vandana Performance

Live Performance

10:10

AM

Welcome Remarks

Vishnu Kumar Agarwal
President- Confederation of Nepalese Industries

10:20

AM

Theme Video: What It Takes To Lead

UN Women

10:25

AM

Summit Highlights

Chhaya Sharma
Chair- CNIWLF
Special Remarks by Arnaud Cauchois
Country Director- ADB

10:40

AM

Keynote

Zeina Jallad
Guest of Honour- International Lawyer & Human Rights Scholar
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11:00

AM

Address

Hon. Suresh Prabhu
Former Minister of Railways- Government of India

11:10

AM

Address

Hon. Binod Chaudhary
Member of House of Representative
President Emeritus- CNI

11:20

AM

Award Videos (Inviting PM on Stage)

Chhaya Sharma
Awardees: Maggie Doyne & Sonika Manandhar

11:35

PM

Chief Guest Address

Pushpa Kamal Dahal
Rt. Hon. Prime Minister of Nepal

11:45

PM

Vote of Thanks

Ashrayata Karki Chaudhary
Member, CNIWLF

GROUP PHOTO

11:50

PM

Inviting Guest to Inaugurate Marketplace & Make in Nepal: Swadeshi

FOLLOWED BY

LUNCH



SUMMIT: DAY 1 MARCH 25, SATURDAY

TIME: 1:30 PM – 6:30 PM

1:30

PM

REGISTRATION

TEA / COFFEE BREAK

2:00

PM

OPENING REMARKS

Rita Bhandary
Member- CNIWLF

2:10 – 3:10

PM

PANEL: BUSINESS

BUSINESS LEADERSHIP: TAKING GENDER OUT OF THE EQUATION

3:10 – 3:20

PM

Special Address

Hon. Gagan Thapa
Member of House of Representatives
General Secretary, Nepali Congress

3:20 – 4:20

PM

PANEL : POLITICS

The Female Political Career

4:25 – 5:15

PM

FIRESIDE

Nirvana Chaudhary & Jaivir Singh
Under The Stars

5:20 – 6:20

PM

PANEL: EMPOWERMENT

WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT IN RURAL NEPAL - SUCCESS STORIES FROM THE PROVINCES

FOLLOWED BY

HI TEA

SUMMIT: DAY 2 MARCH 26, SUNDAY

TIME: 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM

8:30

AM

REGISTRATION

Tea/coffee service

9:00 - 10:00

AM

SPECIAL SESSION

Ven. Mingyur Rinpoche

10:00 - 10:15

AM

OPENING REMARKS

Sneha Rajbhandari
Bottlers Nepal

10:15 – 11:15

AM

PANEL: CLIMATE CHANGE

CREATING MORE WOMEN CLIMATE LEADERS

11:15 – 12:15

AM

PANEL: DIGITAL

TOOLS TO BRING WOMEN TO THE FOREFRONT OF DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

12:15 – 1:15

PM

PANEL: CHANGE AGENTS

LEADERSHIP SKILLS THAT DRIVE CHANGE

1:20- 2:20

PM

LUNCH

2:25

PM

Video Message

Sonakshi Sinha

2:30 – 3:30

PM

PANEL: MEDIA & ENTERTAINMENT

ADDRESSING PERSISTENT INEQUALITIES IN MEDIA

3:35 – 4:55

PM

PANEL: REGIONAL COOPERATION

EXPORT MARKET BARRIERS & OPPORTUNITIES FOR WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS IN SOUTH ASIA

5:00 – 6:00

PM

PANEL: POLICY

UNLOCKING POSSIBILITIES: WAYS TO INFLUENCE POLICY TO ACCELERATE WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP

CLOSING EVENT
MARCH 26, SUNDAY
TIME: 6:15 PM – 7:05 PM
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6:15

PM

Opening Remarks

Nirvana Chaudhary
Vice President, CNI
Founder, CNIWLS

6:25

PM

Closing Keynote

Ernesta Redi Neudert
Guest of Honour
Entrepreneur & Scientist

6:40

PM

SUMMIT DECLARATION & HANDOVER TO GoN

Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies: Dr. Toya Narayan Gyawali
Secretary, Ministry of Finance: Toyam Raya
Honored by CNI President Vishnu K. Agarwal and Chhaya Sharma
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7:00

PM

VOTE OF THANKS

Barsha Shrestha
Member, CNIWLF

7:15

PM onwards

Dinner

*200 invitees only

Event & Marketplace Registration

Great speakers, meaningful conversations and an opportunity to ignite change.

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Ticket for the summit will be handled by EventMX.

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