KATHMANDU: Prime Minister (PM) KP Oli emphasized the importance of equal participation of both men and women to bring positive change in all sectors of society.

Inaugurating the Women Leadership Summit 2025, organized by the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Supplies along with the Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI), PM Oli stressed that Nepali culture and tradition view women as dynamic, change-oriented forces, often revering them as goddesses.

“The chariot cannot move forward with only one wheel; similarly, society must progress with equal participation of both men and women,” he said. “We must collaborate with the private sector to address poverty eradication and ensure social justice and equality.”

PM Oli expressed his satisfaction with the growing representation of women in high positions, such as the President and the Chief Justice. However, he urged further efforts to enhance women’s participation in education, entrepreneurship, and employment.

“Enterprise development and women’s empowerment have been strengthened through greater government-private sector cooperation. Our commitment is to promote good governance while boosting the economy,” he stated.

He also highlighted the importance of forward momentum, likening democracy to a highway with no reverse gear. “We must move forward. The back gear is only for sharp turns, but on a highway, there’s no turning back,” he said.

The Prime Minister stressed the need for laws that support development, rather than hinder progress, and expressed a commitment to refining government policies and practices based on suggestions received during the conference.

Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Damodar Bhandari shared that the government is prioritizing industrialization in collaboration with the private sector and working on reforms to promote economic growth, including guidelines on the use of domestic products by government bodies.

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