Hatti Hatti Nepal hosted its third annual flagship event, ‘SHEpreneur Award 2026’ at the Marriott Hotel on April 18.

The ceremony recognised women-led social enterprises from across the country and marked the expansion of Hatti Hatti’s own operations into the textile production sector.

The event comprised two primary segments: the SHEpreneur Award Ceremony, honouring entrepreneurs from Nepal’s various provinces, and the Nepali New Year Market, which featured a diverse range of sustainable, locally manufactured products.

Delivering the opening remarks, Priya Sigdel, founder of Hatti Hatti Nepal, reflected on the organisation’s journey alongside co-founder Sajna Jirel. Sigdel announced the establishment of Hatti Hatti Enterprise in Pokhara, an initiative aimed at addressing systemic gaps in the domestic textile industry and waste management.

“While working in the textile sector, we realised how limited opportunities are in Nepal,” Sigdel said. “We frequently discuss solid waste management, but textile waste is rarely a part of that conversation. There is significant potential to create structure and value within this sector domestically.” She further noted that the Pokhara facility is currently being scaled for full-scale production.

The awards were presented to six women entrepreneurs in recognition of their contributions to social impact and community empowerment. The recipients included Januka Parajuli (Madhesh Province), Madhu Maya Gurung (Bagmati Province, Chitwan), Sita Kunwar (Lumbini Province), Prakriti Rijal (Sudurpashchim Province), Rukma Chalaune (Karnali Province), and Prakriti Mainali (Bagmati Province, Kathmandu).

The Chief Guest of the event, Sunita Dangol, acting mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC), emphasised the necessity of provincial-level empowerment to strengthen local economies. During her address, Dangol announced a significant financial intervention by the KMC to support budding businesses. “The Kathmandu Metropolitan City is on the verge of introducing a plan to provide entrepreneurship loans of up to Rs500,000 for individuals and up to Rs5 million for groups,” Dangol revealed, highlighting the city’s commitment to fostering a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The ceremony also featured an address by actress Niruta Singh, followed by a high tea where attendees engaged with the exhibitors at the New Year Market.