PM Oli inaugurates Women Leadership Summit 2025, calls for equal participation of women, men

KATHMANDU: Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI), in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies (MoICS), commenced the Women Leadership Summit 2025 in Kathmandu today.

Chief guest Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli inaugurated the summit. In his address at the inauguration, Prime Minister Oli emphasised the need for positive changes across all sectors of society through equal participation of women and men. He underscored the significance of women’s involvement, noting that Nepali tradition and culture portray women as deities and dynamic forces of change.

“A chariot cannot move with only one wheel; that is why we must advance the entire society through equal participation of women and men. We must collaborate with the private sector to eliminate poverty by establishing social justice and equality,” said Prime Minister Oli. “We have already placed women in prominent positions, including the President and Chief Justice. Women’s participation in politics is increasing, which is a source of pride, but we should not stop there. We must further empower women in education, enterprise, and employment.”

The Prime Minister highlighted the government’s encouragement of collaboration with the private sector to foster entrepreneurship development and women’s empowerment. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting good governance and economic development. He remarked, “We must move forward. We must not go back. Reverse gear is sometimes used only on roundabouts. Reverse gear is not used on highways. Democracy is our highway.”

He also stressed that laws should facilitate development rather than complicate processes and pledged to reform government policies, practices, and legislation based on suggestions received from the summit.

Speaking at the event, Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Damodar Bhandari, stated that the current government prioritises promoting industrialisation in collaboration with the private sector. He stated that efforts are underway to develop the economic sector through reforms, including the introduction of procedures for the use of domestic goods in government bodies.

On the occasion, Prime Minister Oli honoured national football player Preeti Rai and social campaigner and activist Rukshana Kapali.

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