The fifth edition of Nirvik Nari, the Kantipur Media Group’s women-related flagship event, commenced in Kathmandu on Wednesday, centred around the overarching theme of “Women’s Power and Leadership.”

The event aims to celebrate women’s achievements, challenge gender-based barriers, and promote leadership across various sectors.

Speakers from politics, diplomacy, business, media, activism, and youth communities will take part in a series of engaging panel discussions.

The first session, titled “Glass ceiling: Invisible barriers,” brings together notable figures including Ram Kumari Jhakri, former minister for urban development; Dawa Futi Sherpa, former ambassador of Nepal to Spain; Roshani Poudyal, advocate; and Rojina Raut, head of training and development at Devyani International Nepali Pvt Ltd. The session will be moderated by journalist Laxmi Bhandari.

Similarly, the second session, titled “The voices of teens,” will feature Skanda Swar, founder of Dhumbarahi Children’s Library; Reeti Maharjan; Silvia Sinjali Magar; and Afroja Nasim, all of whom are students. Suman Shakya, entrepreneur, consultant, and trainer, will moderate the session.

The third session, titled “Nepal through the eyes of diplomats,” will include Leann Johnston, Australian Ambassador to Nepal; Patricia Fernandez Pacheco, Country Representative for Nepal at UN Women; and Veronique Lorenzo, EU Ambassador to Nepal. The discussion will be moderated by Shrinkhala Khatiwada, managing director of Vedanta Herbals.

The fourth and final session of the event is titled “My body, my choice.” Speakers include Hima Bista, executive director of Women Lead Nepal; Shrida RL Shah, brand manager at Jawalakhel Group of Industries; Ishtu Karkee, artist; and Anmol Rani Rai, Miss Trans Nepal 2024.

The session will be moderated by Parakram SJB Rana, a prominent Nepali digital content creator and LGBTQ+ advocate.