A panel discussion at the fifth edition of the NewBiz Business Women Summit and Awards 2025 highlighted the persistent gender gap in Nepal’s formal economy and called for structural reforms, inclusive policies, and cultural change to empower women in business. Experts and entrepreneurs from various sectors stressed the need to redefine women’s roles through better access to finance, quality education, inclusive workspaces, and mentorship.

Formal Economy Still Elusive for Women: Dr Prakash Kumar Shrestha

Dr Prakash Kumar Shrestha, member of the National Planning Commission, presented an analytical overview of women’s participation in the formal economy during the panel titled “Redefining Women’s Role in Business.” While he acknowledged some encouraging trends, such as a rise in overall workforce participation—with women now comprising 28% compared to men's 54%—he noted that formal employment for women remains strikingly low at just 13%.

He further highlighted a 34% wage gap between men and women, and that women make up only 34% of business owners. Citing international comparisons, he pointed out that women’s business participation in Nepal lags behind countries like China (60%) and the U.S. (57%), though it is slightly ahead of India (25%).

Dr Shrestha emphasized the importance of access to finance and formal recognition of the care economy, where many women are engaged informally. He also raised concerns over the high failure rate among girls in Nepal’s Secondary Education Examination (SEE), despite near-equal enrollment rates, pointing to gaps in education quality. “To bridge the gender gap, we must improve both financial access and the education pipeline for young women,” he said, urging collaboration between the government and private sector to build a supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Time: The Unseen Barrier for Women Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneur Prasanna Basnet,Cco-founder of Cotton Mill Nepal, shared a personal perspective on the unique time constraints women face in business, especially in lifestyle sectors. While men and women often face similar operational challenges, Basnet said that women also shoulder additional responsibilities at home, limiting the time they can dedicate to growing their businesses.

“Even though I reserve seven hours a day for my business, that leaves little room for anything else—unlike my male counterparts,” she explained. Basnet called for not just institutional support, but cultural and familial shifts that give women the space and time they need to thrive as entrepreneurs.

Inclusive Workspaces Challenge Stereotypes: Astha Sharma

Astha Sharma, Managing Director of tech company Code Rush, spoke about her journey confronting and breaking gender stereotypes in the technology sector. At her previous workplaces, she was often assigned gendered tasks like kitchen management—experiences that motivated her to build a different kind of workplace.

“At Code Rush, we start by addressing mindset,” Sharma said, explaining how the company conducts regular team discussions on inclusion and integrates these values into onboarding. She also highlighted the company’s mentorship programs, ranging from one-day to month-long engagements with role models who guide women through professional challenges.

Sharma linked inclusion to commercial success, noting that her company combines social responsibility with sustainability—recycling water, minimizing chemical use, and training local women near its production unit. “A brand is not just a logo—it’s a promise to solve a problem,” she added.

Purpose Over Profit: A Call for Values-Driven Business

Panel moderator Mahesh Mahato, Founder and Managing Director of Cosmic Electrical Limited, wrapped up the discussion by stressing the ethical responsibilities of business leaders. “A business without a moral core or community contribution is meaningless,” he said. Mahato addressed systemic issues plaguing Nepali businesses—such as reliance on imports, skilled labour shortages, and limited resources—and urged entrepreneurs to adopt a mindset grounded in purpose and mentorship.

Conclusion: A Collective Responsibility

The panelists unanimously agreed that bridging Nepal’s gender gap requires more than token reforms. From addressing time poverty and educational quality to redesigning work culture and expanding access to finance, systemic change is essential. The discussion concluded with a call to action for both the government and private sector to work together to ensure women are not only included but also empowered in Nepal’s economic future.