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Australian Ambassador meets WILN-Nepal members for IWD

Posted: 1 April 2021

Nepal, Alumni, COVID-19, Impact,

Fourteen Australia Awards Nepali alumni gathered on 31 March for a Women in Leadership Network – Nepal (WILN-Nepal) event marking International Women’s Day 2021. Titled ‘Sharing Our Success Stories—Celebrating Our Achievements,’ the lunch event took place in Kathmandu at the residence of the Australian Ambassador to Nepal Her Excellency Ms Felicity Volk.

In her remarks, Ambassador Volk spoke about Australia’s priority of promoting the rights and interests of women and girls and the many challenges currently faced in Australia and Nepal.

“The pandemic has shone a light on women’s essential contributions to keep the world going despite the global health crisis,” she said. “It has reminded everyone of the enormous value of care and other kinds of work traditionally associated with women. And it has highlighted the power and effectiveness of women’s leadership.”

Ambassador Volk went on to say that “the Women in Leadership Network captures the dynamism of the women alumni of Australia Awards Nepal. When we come together as women leaders, sharing our talents and mobilising ideas, these wider collaborations deeply impact our communities and contribute to Nepal’s development.”

The fourteen active WILN-Nepal members present at the event each shared their own stories, outlining challenges they have faced and successes they have achieved as women in leadership positions.

The outdoor event was Australia Awards – Nepal’s first in-person event in more than a year due to the pandemic. COVID-19 safety measures were in place, including face masks, sanitiser and physical distancing.

A selection of images from the Women in Leadership Network event can be seen in the gallery below.