Thimphu, Bhutan — Ms. Shova Gyawali, President of the Federation of Woman Entrepreneurs’ Associations of Nepal (FWEAN), represented Nepal at the prestigious South Asian Women’s Conference 2025, held from May 8th to 10th in Thimphu, Bhutan. Hosted and inaugurated by Her Majesty Queen Mother Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, the conference brought together women leaders from across South Asia to champion women’s leadership, inclusion, and empowerment.
In her keynote address during Session III: Components of Rural Tourism – Success Stories on May 8th, Ms. Gyawali spotlighted Nepal’s transformative journey in empowering rural women through grassroots entrepreneurship, tourism initiatives, and revitalization of traditional crafts. Drawing on FWEAN’s legacy of over 35 years, she shared how the organization has been a driving force behind rural women’s economic and social upliftment.
Ms. Gyawali emphasized the resilience of Nepalese women, particularly in the aftermath of the 2015 earthquake. “Nepali women didn’t just rebuild physical structures; they rebuilt hope,” she said. FWEAN’s initiatives have included skill development, market access facilitation, leadership training, and policy advocacy, turning cultural heritage into a source of economic strength for thousands of women across the nation.
She shared inspiring stories of women who have risen as beacons of empowerment and innovation:
Basu Maya Tamang, who transformed personal adversity into community leadership.
Sakun Rasaili, President of WEAN Mustang, whose sustainable tourism initiatives have earned global recognition.
Shila Nepali, a grassroots entrepreneur turned FWEAN Executive Member, representing Karnali Province with distinction.
Ms. Gyawali also highlighted the challenges faced by rural women, including inadequate infrastructure, limited access to financing, and digital exclusion. She called for regional collaboration to address these barriers, emphasizing that empowering every woman, no matter how remote her village, is essential for collective progress.
The conference, a vibrant exchange of ideas and experiences, reaffirmed Nepal’s commitment to inclusive economic empowerment and women’s leadership. With its innovative models and inspiring success stories, FWEAN continues to set a benchmark for socio-economic transformation in Nepal and beyond.
About FWEAN
Founded over three decades ago, the Federation of Woman Entrepreneurs’ Associations of Nepal (FWEAN) is dedicated to empowering women through entrepreneurship, leadership, and socio-economic inclusion. Its initiatives have impacted thousands of women, turning challenges into opportunities and fostering sustainable development across Nepal.
