Champion for political leadership and equality, Asta Laxmi Shakya honoured with WOW Women Achievers Lifetime Achievement Award

KATHMANDU: Media 9 Group hosted its annual WOW Women Achievers Award 2025 at The Plaza in Lalitpur on Tuesday, March 18.

Awards were presented in six categories, honouring the following remarkable women for their contributions:

The Arts – Kanchhi Maiya Bhandari, a celebrated culinary vlogger from Dhading, is widely recognised as the face of 'KanchhiKitchen,' her YouTube channel and Nepal's first village cooking platform. Launched during the Covid 19 pandemic, it features traditional Nepali dishes prepared in rural settings, earning over 7.7 lakh subscribers. Bhandari’s focus on sustainable cooking methods and cultural heritage has resonated with audiences worldwide.

Leadership – Dr Reeta Gurung, CEO of the Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology, has transformed eye care in Nepal. Under her leadership, Tilganga has restored sight to over one million individuals and trained thousands of global professionals. Her efforts in remote cataract camps and gender equity have positioned Tilganga as a leader in inclusive and sustainable eye care.

Social Service/Activism – CA Anupama Sangraula, a Chartered Accountant, has redefined financial literacy in Nepal through engaging digital content. Known as CA Anupama on Instagram, her videos on tax education have gained over 100,000 followers. She co-founded Hamro Academy to provide quality CA education and empower aspiring accountants across Nepal.

Entrepreneurship – Shailaja Adhikary, Managing Director of the IEC Group, founded Nepal’s first professional institution for fashion and interior design in 1997 and introduced Euro Kids, an international preschool chain, in 2007. Her educational initiatives have shaped hundreds of design professionals and elevated Nepal’s education sector.

Inspiring Woman of the Year – Subina Shrestha, an Emmy-nominated journalist and filmmaker, has produced groundbreaking documentaries on civil conflict, child slavery, and natural disasters. As Director of Devi International, her storytelling has gained international acclaim, amplified marginalised voices, and brought critical social issues to global attention.

Born in Mahottari and raised amidst rural hardships, Pokharel’s resilience led her family to relocate to Kathmandu for her health. Her journey in financial markets began with a modest investment of Rs 2,000 during her university years, evolving into a remarkable career driven by perseverance and learning.

Aditionally, 'Fonepay Saksham Nari of The Year' award introduced this year was presented to Radha Pokharel, President of the Nepal Capital Market Investors' Association and Director of Bishal Bazar Company. Pokharel’s leadership in Nepal's male-dominated financial sector emphasises inclusivity, collaboration, and inspiring others to reach their potential. Raised in Mahottari and later Kathmandu, Pokharel’s journey began with a modest investment of Rs 2,000 during her university years, evolving into a distinguished career through resilience and learning.

Lifetime Achievement Award – Asta Laxmi Shakya, the first woman Chief Minister of Bagmati Province, has dedicated her life to social justice and women’s empowerment. Currently Vice Chairperson of the CPN (UML), she has championed grassroots mobilisation and reform, becoming a role model for female leadership in Nepal.

Since 2017, WOW magazine has used this platform to celebrate the achievements of women leaders, change agents, and enablers. Aligned with International Women’s Day, this year's theme is 'Accelerate Action.'

The event included a panel discussion on 'How The Female Essence Shapes Our World', moderated by Amuda Mishra, Executive Director of the Ujyalo Foundation. The panellists were Saigrace Pokharel, Sunil Babu Pant, Rupeshwor Gaur Das, Ayushman DS Joshi, and Saurabh Jyoti.

Charu Chadha, Editor of Media 9, highlighted, "We stand at crossroads of theory and practice in Nepal lagging in terms of meaningful women's participation and representation in political, social, economic and educational aspects of life. Equality is not a belief to hold just for a day. Where anyone is today, be it a woman or a man or a third gender, it is because of their capability and determination, not gender. Equality is about ensuring that everyone has the equal opportunity to make the most of their lives and talents irrespective of their gender. If every individual does their bit, it will change the collective mindset. We can accelerate action."

The WOW Women Achievers Award 2025 was supported by Ncell and Fonepay, in association with NIMB Ace Capital Limited and WWF. Other partners included Warsteiner (Celebration Partner), Okhar (Gift Partner), Vogue Ad & Event Management (Event Logistics), The Plaza (Hospitality Partner), NMB Bank (Banking Partner), Himalaya TV (TV Partner), Real Fruit Juice (Beverage Partner), and Leapmotor (EV Partner).