The South Asian Women’s Conference, aimed at addressing critical issues hindering women’s economic advancement, was inaugurated by Vice President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav on Sunday.

Speaking at the opening ceremony at Hotel Himalaya, Lalitpur, Yadav emphasised the need for women’s empowerment through digital transformation to reduce gender disparities and increase economic empowerment.

He also highlighted the importance of promoting women’s participation in various sectors and identified the root causes of gender inequality for collective challenges in South Asia, further reiterating the importance of women’s participation in trade, production, tourism management, and agriculture in the context of south asian economies.

Special guest Bhagwati Chaudhary, minister for Women, Children, and Senior Citizens, also emphasised the government’s focus on economic development, particularly in Tarai and plain areas, to address issues like trafficking.

Chaudhary stressed the alignment of government initiatives with Sustainable Development Goals and the importance of international agreements in advancing gender equality.

The three-day conference, which will be held till May 14, aims to delve into opportunities for women, especially in rural areas, and foster collaboration

and networking among participants.

“With a lower female participation rate in South Asia, the conference aims to address the reasons behind this disparity, especially focusing on rural areas where 65 percent of the population resides,” the organisers said.

“Our conference isn’t just about discussing challenges it’s about crafting solutions that empower women of South Asia to lead in rebuilding our economies stronger than ever before.”