Experts call for enhanced economic participation of women

 Lalitpur, Mar. 20

Nepal has reaffirmed its commitment to gender-inclusive financial policies by hosting the Ring the Bell for Gender Equality event in Lalitpur.

Held in over 110 stock exchanges worldwide, Nepal has participated in this initiative since 2021. This year’s theme, 'Ring the Bell for Women’s Financial Inclusion in Nepal', highlighted strategies to remove barriers to financial access for women.

The event organised by the UN Women, Global Compact Nepal (GCN), International Finance Corporation (IFC), and Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE), promoted Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) to enhance women's economic participation.

Speaking at the event, UN Women Representative, Patricia Fernandez-Pacheco, emphasised supporting women in finance to unlock economic opportunities.

Shovakanta Paudel, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Finance, and Chairperson of NEPSE, called for improved financial literacy and digital inclusion. “We need to address gaps in financial literacy, access to banking, and digital services to ensure economic opportunities for women,” he said.

The event recognised NMB Bank for advancing gender-inclusive financial policies. CEO of the bank, Sunil KC accepted the award.

Likewise, EU Ambassador to Nepal, Veronique Lorenzo reaffirmed the EU’s support for gender parity in Nepal’s economy. “The European Union is ready to collaborate with the private sector and women entrepreneurs to drive economic transformation through gender parity,” she said.

 Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 21 March 2025.