SHEpreneurs Awards: HattiHatti’s Empowering Initiative

HattiHatti Nepal’s International Women’s Day 2025 was a powerful celebration of women entrepreneurs, featuring a vibrant marketplace, the prestigious SHEpreneur Award presented by Shagoon Jewellers, and inspiring discussions on empowerment. More than an e

WHAT HAPPENS when unstoppable women unite to create, inspire, and break barriers? Magic. That’s exactly what unfolded at HattiHatti Nepal’s International Women’s Day 2025 celebration—an empowering, and profoundly inspiring event that placed the spotlight on Nepal's trailblazing women entrepreneurs.

Though it was a modest gathering, the event made a resounding statement—a movement, a powerful celebration of women who are not just building businesses but reshaping industries and defining their own destinies.

A Marketplace of Dreams

The event kicked off with a three-day market teeming with energy, where women-led businesses proudly showcased products that proudly bore the labels “Made in Nepal” and “Made with Passion.” Picture a vibrant marketplace, with stalls brimming with handcrafted jewellery, eco-conscious fashion, and artisanal foods—each item telling a story of resilience, passion, and purpose. In collaboration with the International Club, HattiHatti Nepal transformed this market into a powerful platform for women entrepreneurs, giving them the exposure and support they truly deserve.

But this wasn’t just about business—it was about empowerment. These shepreneurs weren’t just selling products; they were embodying hope, independence, and a fresh narrative for the evolving business landscape.

The SHEprenuer Award 2025: A Tribute to Trailblazers

The grand highlight of the event was the SHEprenuer Award 2025, presented by Shagoon Jewellers. This prestigious honor went beyond recognizing mere business skills; it celebrated the women’s stories—of their rise, resilience, impact, and the fierce will it took to shatter societal norms.

With Chief Guest Mohna Ansari, Guest of Honor Devi Khadka, and Special Guest Srichchha Pradhan, the event gained even more weight. Their presence reinforced the importance of empowering women entrepreneurs and acknowledging their invaluable contributions.

Six exceptional women were nominated for the SHEprenuer Award. They didn’t just build businesses—they built courage in the hearts of all those in attendance.

Anita Shrestha

Sudurpaschim Pradesh, Food Industry
From crafting traditional Newari cuisine to mastering shoemaking, Anita’s journey is one of skill, perseverance, and empowerment. She’s not only created her empire but also trained women to become financially independent.

Rosh Shrestha
Bagmati Pradesh, Social Entrepreneurship
Rosh turned her struggle as a hearing-impaired woman into a mission, providing job opportunities for 20-25 

hearing-impaired women. Her work is a powerful testament to breaking barriers and creating an inclusive Nepal.

Parbati Chaudhary
Madhesh Pradesh, Handicrafts
Weaving tradition with modern entrepreneurship, Parbati has revolutionized the handicraft industry. She employs over 25 women and has inspired 100+ others to embrace economic independence.

Yangji Sherpa
Bagmati Pradesh, Hospitality & Coffee
Yangji’s eco-friendly Chaahri Resort and Lekali Coffee have empowered women farmers by providing them with opportunities they never thought possible.

Goma Adhikari
Gandaki Pradesh, Dairy Farming
From a humble family-run milk-selling venture to a thriving dairy business, Goma has demonstrated that small beginnings can lead to extraordinary success. Today, she collaborates with a dairy cooperative to uplift her entire community.

Ruby Acharya Panta
Karnali Pradesh, Floriculture & Agriculture Locals affectionately call her "Saagwali" for her dedication to farming and grocery business. Her agricultural journey began with off-season vegetable and maize farming, leading to the official registration of her agriculture firm in 2022. In 2023/24, she was selected by the Agriculture Development Directorate, Surkhet, to expand into floriculture, supplying garlands, bouquets, and floral decorations for events.

Beyond the Awards

The event also featured a poignant panel discussion on Women’s Well-being, presented by Happy Minds Health. Expert speakers panel including Sirjana Adhikari (psychologist), Dr. Jwala Thapa (gynaecologist), and Dr. Shrujana Shrestha (dermatologist) moderated by Susmita Bogati (public speaker) sparked insightful conversations on mental health, self-care, and the specific challenges women entrepreneurs face.

To cap off the event, poet Asmita delivered a heartfelt recitation—words woven with subtle yet fierce raw emotions, reflecting her lived experiences as today’s women.

A Future Fuelled by Women

Once again, HattiHatti Nepal has proven that when women rise, entire communities rise with them. Just as they transform old fabrics into fresh fashion creations, HattiHatti has woven change and crafted a new chapter in the women’s entrepreneurship field. Their mission—empowering marginalized women through education and sustainable entrepreneurship—isn’t just an initiative; it’s a revolution in the making.

This event is a movement—a call to rise, a call to support, and a promise that if given a platform, Nepal’s women will innovate and inspire.