Today on June 25, 2024, Nari Chetana Kendra Nepal (WACN) successfully hosted a workshop titled “Women’s Access to Finance and Entrepreneurship Development” at Hotel Le Himalaya in Lazimpat, Kathmandu. The event aimed to share findings from the research “Gender Equality in Access to Finance and Entrepreneurship Development” within 10 Cooperatives of the Kathmandu and Kavrepalanchowk districts.

The program, presided over by Mrs. Srijana Poudel, provided an overview of its objectives, detailed research findings, and highlighted the challenges co-operatives face in providing loans.

The Chief Guest, Omdevi Malla, President of the National Cooperative Federation, along with other distinguished guests including Chandra Prasad Dhakal, President of NEFSCUN; Uddhab Sapkota, President of Bagmati PROSCUN; Suman K.C., President of District Cooperative Kathmandu; Deepak Paneru, President of KASKUN; cooperative expert Keshab Bahadur Thapa; Babul Khanal Deputy General Manager of National Cooperative Federation , attended the event. Presidents, vice presidents, and representatives of various Cooperatives from Kavrepalanchowk and Kathmandu were also present.

The event began with opening remarks from Sagun Giri, Vice Chairperson of Nari Chetana SACCOs, followed by a keynote address from the Chief Guest and other notable figures. Group discussions focused on supply-side constraints faced by financial institutions and the impact of credit access on business growth and socio-economic development. Interactive sessions allowed participants to share experiences and best practices, fostering a productive exchange of ideas. The workshop concluded with a summary of key points and future action plans, reinforcing the commitment to enhance women’s financial inclusion and entrepreneurial success in the micro-finance, finance, and cooperative sectors.