KATHMANDU: As Nepal marks the countdown to International Women’s Day on March 8, the focus turns to women transforming industries and communities through resilience, innovation, and leadership. Among them are Prakriti Gautam and Sushila Rai, whose journeys exemplify the impact of empowerment, equal opportunities, and access to resources.
Prakriti Gautam, co-founder and CEO of Khetipati Organics Dhankuta, is a trailblazer in Nepal’s agricultural sector. A participant in the Aadhyanta Accelerator Programme under the Swiss-funded Nepal Agricultural Market Development Programme (Sahaj), Gautam has overcome barriers to lead a thriving organic business. Her advocacy for workplace equality sends a powerful message: gender equality is non-negotiable in business and beyond.
Similarly, Sushila Rai represents another inspiring success story. Once a struggling housewife, her life took a transformative turn through the Swiss-funded Small Irrigation Program. The initiative provided her with year-round irrigation access and essential training, enabling her to cultivate her own land efficiently. With a stable income, she now supports her family, repays loans, and ensures her daughters receive a quality education. Her journey highlights the power of access to irrigation, training, and opportunity, proving that when women are empowered, entire communities thrive.
These stories of women breaking barriers and reshaping industries showcase the power of entrepreneurship, leadership, and gender equality to drive societal change.
