Kathmandu — The Nepal Women’s Chamber has honored leading Nepali women who have made historic contributions across various sectors, on the occasion of the 75th anniversary (Diamond Jubilee) of the Nepal Chamber of Commerce.

The recognition was presented during a special program titled “Leading Women Honor”, which acknowledged both living and deceased personalities for their contributions in fields such as politics, judiciary, education, social service, arts, administration, tourism, and sports.The honorees were jointly felicitated by former President Dr. Ram Baran Yadav, Chair of the Diamond Jubilee Celebration Committee Rajesh Kaji Shrestha, President of the Nepal Chamber of Commerce Kamlesh Kumar Agrawal, and President of the Nepal Women’s Chamber Urmila Shrestha, among others.

Among those honored were Nepal’s first female Speaker Onsari Gharti Magar, first female Chief Minister Astalaxmi Shakya, gender rights expert Chandni Joshi, Nepal’s first female engineer Shanti Malla, educationist Agatha Thapa, SLC board topper Luna Bhatt, first female commercial pilot Raksha Rana, entrepreneur Shyam Badan Shrestha, tourism entrepreneur Srijana Rana, and several others from diverse fields.

Similarly, individuals from organizations such as Lions and Rotary, including Milan Thapa and Jaya Rajyalaxmi Shah, were also recognized, along with former Chief Secretary Lila Devi Gadtaula, economist Dr. Pushpa Shrestha, actress Bhuvan Chand, administrator Usha Nepal, police officer Bimala Thapa Sharma, and others from public and private sectors.

The program also paid tribute to notable figures such as Olympian Sangina Baidya, artist Sneha Shrestha (Imagine), actress Manisha Koirala, bodybuilder Nirmala Maharjan, and many more. Symbolic recognition was also extended to mythological and philosophical figures such as Sita (Janaki) and Gargi.

Special acknowledgment was given to the contributions of former President Bidhya Devi Bhandari and former Chief Justice Sushila Karki.

In addition, several late personalities—including Pasang Lhamu Sherpa, Parijat (Bishnu Kumari Waiba), Sahana Pradhan, and others—were honored posthumously, with awards received by their family members.

Newly elected federal parliamentarians affiliated with the Nepal Women’s Chamber—Lima Adhikari, Basumaya Tamang, Neetima Karki Bhandari, and Indira Rana Magar—were also recognized. President Urmila Shrestha herself was honored during the event.

Speaking at the program, former President Yadav expressed pride in honoring pioneering women who have inspired both the nation and future generations. Chair Rajesh Kaji Shrestha highlighted that the initiative reflects the strength and legacy of Nepali women alongside the Chamber’s long history since its establishment in 1950.

President Kamlesh Kumar Agrawal emphasized that such programs elevate the prestige of the Chamber while bringing national and international recognition to women’s contributions. President Urmila Shrestha noted that the event was organized to acknowledge women’s achievements and reaffirm the Chamber’s commitment to women’s empowerment and entrepreneurship development.

On behalf of the honorees, Chandni Joshi expressed gratitude to the Nepal Women’s Chamber for organizing the program and recognizing the historical contributions of women.