Remarks by Gitanjali Singh, Deputy Representative, UN Women Nepal at the National Consultation of Women Entrepreneurs

Mr. Gyawali, Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Ms. Chhaya Sharma, Ms. Rita Bhandary, ladies and gentleman, Good Afternoon and Namaste,

On behalf of UN Women, I would like to congratulate the Federation of Woman Entrepreneurs’ Association of Nepal (FWEAN) for organizing this National Consultation to discuss critical issues for women entrepreneurs’. FWEAN’s efforts have been exemplary in strengthening and expanding the network of women entrepreneurs and harnessing their knowledge, skills, and expertise for economic development.

In recent decades, the world has witnessed impressive economic growth. People across the globe have seen major improvements in their living standards. Women worldwide have worked as hard as men to achieve this. Women are key players in building sustainable economies, creating just and peaceful societies, and improving the quality of life for their families and communities. Unfortunately, women have not benefitted equally from the increasing global wealth.

There is growing evidence that investing in women’s economic empowerment is a direct path toward gender equality, poverty eradication and inclusive economic growth. Studies show that breaking down barriers to gender equality in education, employment and entrepreneurship would help make better use of everyone’s skills and create new sources of economic growth.[1] 

Growth is inclusive and sustainable only if women are economically empowered to participate in and benefit from it. Not only is this a moral imperative, it also makes good economic sense since women make up half of the human talent base.[2] Therefore ensuring substantive equality is also smart economics.

Investing in women’s empowerment has a multiplier effect. However for women to contribute effectively, an enabling environment is required. Women need opportunities to expand their capabilities and access to and control over productive assets. They need to be fully engaged and have an equal voice with men at all levels of economic decision-making.

This conference is an important step towards knowledge sharing and for identifying priorities for gender specific policy advocacy. UN Women is pleased to partner with FWEAN in developing a manifesto on women’s economic empowerment. The conference also provided us with an opportunity to share the Women’s Empowerment Principles developed in partnership with the UN Global Compact Office.  The seven principles offer a blueprint to businesses and the private sector on how to empower women in the workplace, marketplace and community.

UN Women looks forward to collaborating with FWEAN to take forward the WEP principles with business leaders to effectively advance women's economic empowerment. It is not just, the right or smart thing to do, it is an essential strategy for growth and development.

Thank you.

Media Coverage of the event:
http://e.myrepublica.com/component/flippingbook/book/1400-republica-26-october-2013/1-republica.html.