Women’s Empowerment is the Foundation of National Progress: Dr. Shankar Prasad Sharma
New Delhi: On the eve of International Women’s Day, a grand program was organized by Mitra Manch Manav Kalyan (India) at the auditorium of Pyare Lal Bhavan in ITO, New Delhi. During an interactive session, Nepal’s Ambassador to India Dr. Shankar Prasad Sharma emphasized that equal opportunities and respect for women are essential for the sustainable development and social balance of any nation.
Dr. Sharma stated that women’s empowerment is not merely a social issue but a crucial pillar of economic and national progress. When women are given access to education, healthcare, employment, and leadership opportunities, it positively impacts society as a whole and benefits future generations. He also highlighted that women in both India and Nepal are achieving new milestones in education, politics, business, and social leadership, indicating that societies are gradually moving towards equality and justice.
He further remarked that International Women’s Day is not just a celebration but an important reminder of society’s collective responsibility to recognize women’s talent and capabilities and to provide them with opportunities to move forward.
✨ Happy International Women’s Day to every strong, brilliant, and amazing woman who continues to inspire and brighten our world.
✨ Here is a glimpse of the wonderful participation during the Women’s Day celebration. pic.twitter.com/icfNllCGfI
— Dr. Shankar P Sharma (@DrShankarSharma) March 8, 2026
During the dialogue, Supreme Court advocate Reena N. Singh said that human trafficking is not merely a crime but a direct attack on human dignity, freedom, and the safety of women. She stressed that effective action against this issue can only be achieved through cooperation, awareness, and strong legal frameworks between neighboring countries like India and Nepal. Platforms and discussions of this kind, she noted, help raise awareness in society and play an important role in reintegrating and empowering trafficking survivors with dignity.
महिला दिवस की पूर्व सध्या पर दिल्ली में नेपाल एवं भारत में कार्यरत संस्था "मित्र मंच मानव कल्याण भारत" द्वारा आयोजित एक महत्वपूर्ण कार्यक्रम में शामिल होने का अवसर मिला। भारत में नेपाल के राजदूत डॉ. शंकर प्रसाद शर्मा जी की अध्यक्षता में आयोजित इस कार्यक्रम में महिलाओं की तस्करी… pic.twitter.com/Q9P9MWeuuf
— Reena N Singh (@mreenasingh) March 8, 2026
Speaking on the occasion, senior journalist and Director of Dejal Communication Tabassum Haq highlighted that women’s empowerment is no longer limited to policies and government schemes but is deeply connected with societal attitudes and the family environment. She emphasized that building confidence among women is the most important step. According to her, if women possess self-confidence and receive support from their families, they can achieve every goal they aspire to.
In her address, Anita Kshetri, Women’s President of Mitra Manch Manav Kalyan (India), spoke about the organization’s initiatives and said that women play a central role in the progress of any society. However, social restrictions, traditional mindsets, and lack of opportunities often weaken their confidence. She stressed the need for families, society, and institutions to work together to create an environment where women can freely express their ideas and pursue their dreams.
The event also featured cultural performances that attracted thousands of attendees. Participants enjoyed songs by renowned Nepali singer Pashupati Sharma. A street play depicted the challenges faced by women in changing societies and highlighted possible solutions. Women of all age groups performed dances on cultural songs, making the event vibrant and engaging.
Dr. Ajay Bansal, patron of Mitra Manch Manav Kalyan (India), and Vishnu Khanal, President of the organization, expressed gratitude to all the women and participants who attended the program organized on the eve of International Women’s Day.