PM Oli Calls for Equal Participation to Drive Positive Change at Women Leadership Summit 2025

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has emphasized the need for equal participation of men and women in all sectors of society to bring about meaningful change.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Women Leadership Summit 2025, organized by the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies in collaboration with the Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI), PM Oli highlighted the importance of gender equality. He noted that Nepali culture and tradition regard women as dynamic forces of change, likening them to goddesses.

“A chariot cannot move forward with just one wheel. To advance as a society, men and women must participate equally. Social justice and equality are crucial in eradicating poverty, and the private sector has a key role in this effort,” PM Oli stated.

He acknowledged the progress made in women’s representation in leadership roles, citing appointments to high offices such as the President and Chief Justice. However, he stressed that more needs to be done in education, entrepreneurship, and employment to empower women.

PM Oli also underlined the government’s commitment to fostering enterprise development and women’s empowerment through public-private collaboration. He reiterated the importance of good governance in ensuring economic progress and pledged to refine government policies, laws, and practices based on insights from the summit.

“We must keep moving forward—there is no reverse gear on the highway of democracy,” he remarked, emphasizing the need for continuous progress.

Minister for Industry, Commerce, and Supplies Damodar Bhandari echoed the Prime Minister’s sentiments, stating that the government is prioritizing industrial development in partnership with the private sector. He mentioned ongoing economic reforms, including new guidelines to promote the use of domestic products in government bodies.

During the event, PM Oli honored national football player Preeti Rai and social activist Ruksana Kapali for their contributions in their respective fields.