Parsa — Former President Bidhya Devi Bhandari has said that the time has come to prove that women are equally capable of leading society. She made this remark while addressing the inaugural session of the “Women: Power, Dedication, and Dignity” National Women’s Conference 2082, organized by the Birgunj Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Saturday in Birgunj.

Bhandari pointed out that women’s contributions have not yet received the recognition they deserve. She emphasized that society must now create an environment where women can confidently lead, run businesses, and drive social transformation.

Highlighting women’s continuous role in building families, business, education, healthcare, and social progress, she said that women are not only part of change but also the foundation of overall development. She noted that women’s growing involvement in business and entrepreneurship in trade hubs like Birgunj strengthens not only individual success but also the national economy.

Bhandari called for greater respect and encouragement for women entrepreneurs, urging them to inspire future generations by overcoming gender inequality, prejudice, and barriers. She stressed that institutional recognition of women’s strength, sacrifice, and dedication is essential to achieve equality, sustainable development, and a prosperous Nepal.

She also underlined Nepal’s potential, citing its natural resources, skilled manpower, and cultural diversity. She said sustainable use of these resources could help build a self-reliant economy. To reduce the growing trade deficit, she recommended import substitution policies and promotion of domestic industries in agriculture, herbal and Ayurvedic products, small and medium enterprises, tourism, energy, and information technology. According to her, this would stabilize the economy and create more jobs.

Speaking about the role of Birgunj in economic development, she said proper management of the Birgunj-Pathlaiya industrial corridor, Simara Special Economic Zone, and Sirsiya Dry Port could make the area a strong industrial hub. She also highlighted the agricultural potential of Bara district, mentioning fish farming, banana cultivation, sugarcane, vegetables, and grain production, along with the tourism opportunities at Simraungadh, Gadhimai Temple, and Parsa National Park.

Bhandari warned about the impact of uncontrolled exploitation of the Chure region, which has increased floods, erosion, and desertification in the Terai, lowering groundwater levels and harming agriculture and livelihoods. She also raised concerns about sugarcane farmers not getting fair prices or timely payments, which discourages farmers and affects agro-based industries.

She further pointed to the problem of loan sharks exploiting people in the Terai-Madhes and urged the government to strictly regulate lending practices, simplify complaint procedures, ensure transparency, and provide affordable loans for poor families.

On the issue of cooperatives, she said many people lost their savings due to unsafe investments lured by high-interest promises. She suggested transparency, strict regulation, compensation for victims, and institutional reforms as urgent measures.