The Asia-Pacific Regional Consultation Sixty-Eighth Session on the Commission of the Status of Women (CSW68) convened in Bangkok from February 6th to 7th, 2024, rallying stakeholders to address the pressing theme of "Developing Economic and Social Policies to Address Gendered Poverty." Among the distinguished panelists was Ms. Pramila Acharya Rijal, the President of the South Asian Women Development Forum (SAWDF), whose insights shed light on empowering women entrepreneurs as a key strategy in alleviating gendered poverty.
Ms. Rijal seized the opportunity to emphasize the transformative potential of the Micro, Cottage, and Small-Scale Industries Promotion Policy 2023 in Nepal. This policy initiative, led by the Ministry of Industries, Commerce, and Supplies of the Nepalese government, holds promise in fostering an environment conducive to women's entrepreneurship and in turn, mitigating gendered poverty through gender-responsive approaches.
In her address, Ms. Rijal underscored the pivotal role of tailored strategies aimed at supporting women entrepreneurs, recognizing their unique challenges and opportunities. By championing gender-responsive policies within the framework of economic development, she emphasized the significance of amplifying women's voices and participation in decision-making processes.
Joining Ms. Rijal on the esteemed panel were distinguished figures from across the region:
Ms. Khishigbayar Amarsaikhan, Director General of the Policy Planning Department, Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, Mongolia.
Mr. Nam Nguyen, Climate Advisor and CEO, KLINOVA Climate Innovation Consulting & Services, Vietnam.
Mr. Kamal Chetty, Chief Executive Officer, Investment Fiji, Fiji.
The session, moderated by Ms. Cai Cai, Chief of the Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Section at ESCAP, served as a platform for dynamic exchanges and collaborative insights aimed at catalyzing meaningful change. Through the convergence of diverse perspectives and experiences, participants reaffirmed their commitment to advancing gender equality and socioeconomic empowerment across the Asia-Pacific region.
