Darshana Shrestha Elected President of FWEAN

The 10th General Assembly of the Federation of Women Entrepreneurs’ Association of Nepal (FWEAN) has elected Darshana Shrestha as its new president, leading a 25-member executive committee.

The federation held its 10th General Assembly and the 22nd Annual General Meeting in Lalitpur on Monday.

A national umbrella organisation for women entrepreneurs, FWEAN has been working for the development, promotion and socio-economic empowerment of women entrepreneurs since its establishment. The federation has expanded its presence to all 77 districts of the country and currently represents more than 5,500 women entrepreneurs.

Sunita Vaidya Shrestha was elected first vice-president, Basanti Mishra Pradhan second vice-president, Mahalakshmi Shrestha third vice-president, and Kunnam Pokharel fourth vice-president. Sabita Subedi was elected general secretary, Dikila Sherpa Lama secretary, and Sumitra Palanchoke treasurer.

Other executive committee members include Mallika Shrestha, Shobha Shrestha, Anuja Rajbhandari, Angira Rajbhandari, Nisha KC Jangam, Nita Regmi and Mala Kharel.

Those elected as provincial members representing the seven provinces were as follows: Kriti Shrestha Upadhyay (Koshi), Dev Kumari Poudel (Madhesh), Arpana Pradhan Bhandari (Bagamati), Parbati Poudel Regmi (Gandaki), Saraswati Sharma (Lumbini), Shila Nepali (Karnali) and Meena Phulara (Sudurpaschim).

The newly elected executive committee members were administered the oath of office and secrecy following the election.

A financial literacy programme was also conducted on the sidelines of the general assembly. A workshop focusing on women entrepreneurs’ access to finance and markets was held on the occasion. Likewise, a consultation workshop on the ‘Grassroots to Governance’ strategy for women entrepreneurs was organised with support from GIZ.

During the event, FWEAN provided cash assistance to Chitrakali Budhamagar, president of the Pyuthan Women Entrepreneurs’ Association Nepal, whose business was damaged by fire. The assistance was provided as relief support from the federation.

The general assembly also honoured outstanding district associations, with Morang, Chitwan and Tanahun securing first, second and third positions respectively, while Kalikot received a consolation award.

Awards were also presented to individual achievers. Ganga Chhantyal received the Outstanding Woman Entrepreneur Member Award, Saraswati Sharma was honoured for contribution-based excellence, former president Rita Sinha received the Lifetime Achievement Award, Rachana Shrestha was named Best Entrepreneur, and Sangam Dahal received the Best Employee Award.

The annual general meeting was chaired by outgoing president Shobha Gyawali, who presented an overview of the federation’s programmes, achievements and challenges during her tenure.