LISBON:- A special virtual event organized by the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) Europe Region Women’s Forum with the main slogan “Your Leadership – Our Success” has concluded.

The event featured in-depth discussions on various dimensions of women’s leadership, rights and empowerment.

Facilitated by Baba Rajeshwori Thapa, Regional Women’s Coordinator for Europe, the event expressed deep concern over the incidents of violence, injustice and insecurity against women in various parts of the world. Thapa said that the event was not just a formality but a common platform to raise awareness on women’s issues and bring about change.

The program was chaired by Europe Coordinator Robert Limbu and welcomed by Radha Sigdel, Deputy Coordinator of the Women’s Forum.

Former Foreign Minister Dr. Bimala Rai Poudel was the chief guest at the program. Similarly, Nepali Ambassador to Denmark Sumnima Tuladhar, NRNA President Dr. Hemraj Sharma, Women Vice President Radhika Gurung, Vice President Ram Sharan Simkhada and other personalities were present.

Chief guest, former Foreign Minister Dr. Bimala Rai Poudel, emphasized the need for NRNA to play a leading role in addressing the problems of Nepali women in the diaspora.

She said, “NRNA has great potential to do more effective and concrete work in the field of women empowerment. Coordination, policy clarity, and active institutional initiatives are needed to address the problems faced by women abroad.”

Similarly, Nepali Ambassador to Denmark, Sumnima Tuladhar, opined that despite geographical distance, the challenges and problems faced by women in Nepal, Europe, and the diaspora are similar. She mentioned that women in the diaspora in particular face problems such as loneliness, insecurity, and social pressure.

NRNA President Dr. Hemraj Sharma informed that women empowerment has been given high priority in the organization’s upcoming action plan. He also expressed his commitment to ensure at least 33 percent women representation in all NRNA structures.

Speakers at the program, including Vice President Ram Sharan Simkhada, emphasized that change should begin at the individual level for women’s rights, social justice and leadership development.