Marking the 116th International Women’s Day, the Tourism Entrepreneurs Women Association of Nepal (TEWAN) organized a special “Menopause Awareness & Interaction Program” in Pokhara on today i.e. on Friday, Falgun 29, 2082. The event was held at Kuti Resort, Lakeside, bringing together around 90 participants, including tourism entrepreneurs, health professionals, journalists, social workers, and women leaders.
The program was organized under the global themes “Equal Participation for Sustainable Tourism” and “Rights, Justice, Action for All Women and Girls,” along with the motivational slogan “Give to Gain.” The event aimed to raise awareness about menopause, a natural stage in women’s health that is often overlooked, while also encouraging open discussions about the physical, emotional, and social well-being of women.
The program was supported by the Ministry of Social Development, Youth and Sports, Gandaki Province, reflecting the government’s growing interest in promoting women’s health and empowerment within society and the tourism sector.
Focus on Women’s Health and Empowerment
The event began with a welcome address by TEWAN President Mrs. Shova Pandey, who highlighted the importance of addressing women’s health issues openly, especially in professional sectors such as tourism, where women play an increasingly vital role. In her remarks, Pandey emphasized that women’s empowerment must include awareness about health issues that affect their productivity, confidence, and overall well-being.
“Menopause is a natural phase in every woman’s life, but many women still hesitate to talk about it openly. Through this awareness and interaction program, TEWAN aims to create a supportive environment where women can share their experiences, gain accurate health knowledge, and continue contributing confidently to the tourism sector and society,” Pandey said.
Expert Insights on Menopause
The program featured Professor Dr. Chandika Pandit, Consultant Gynecologist and Obstetrician, as the Chief Guest and Trainer of the session. Dr. Pandit delivered an informative presentation about menopause, explaining its physical, hormonal, and psychological aspects.
“Menopause should not be considered a health problem but a natural transition in a woman’s life. With proper awareness, balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and timely medical consultation, women can manage this phase comfortably and maintain a healthy and active lifestyle,” Dr. Pandit said.
Dr. Pandit also interacted with participants, answering questions related to symptoms, hormonal changes, mental health, and preventive healthcare. Her session was widely appreciated by the attendees, many of whom described the discussion as enlightening and practical.
The interaction program also featured remarks from several distinguished guests representing different sectors of society. President of Pokhara Tourism Council, Mr. Taranath Pahari, praised TEWAN for organizing such a meaningful program and highlighted the role of women in strengthening Nepal’s tourism industry. “Women entrepreneurs are becoming a strong pillar of the tourism sector, and programs like this empower them not only professionally but also personally,” Pahari said.
Similarly, the President of the Federation of Nepali Journalists, Gandaki Province, Mr. Ramesh Paudel, acknowledged the importance of discussing women’s health issues publicly and pledged media support for initiatives that promote awareness and gender equality.
Social worker and health professional Jita Baral also shared her views on the importance of community-based awareness programs. Babita Malla, President of Mahila Sanjal Baidam, expressed appreciation for TEWAN’s continuous efforts to empower women entrepreneurs in the tourism sector.
Active Participation and Organizational Leadership
The program was conducted by General Secretary of TEWAN, Mrs. Shova Adhikari Paudel, who skillfully facilitated the event and encouraged active participation from the attendees. The coordination of the event was handled by Coordinator Sudha Subedi Paudel, who played a key role in organizing the interaction session and ensuring the smooth execution of the program.
The event also witnessed the presence of several prominent members and leaders associated with TEWAN, including Founding President Mrs. Lucky Karki Chhetri, Immediate Past President Mrs. Kamala Giri, and Past President Mrs. Renu Thapa. They shared feedback during the session, appreciating the initiative and describing the program as highly beneficial for women in the tourism sector.
Concluding with Appreciation
The program concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Coordinator Sudha Subedi Paudel, who expressed gratitude to the chief guest, speakers, participants, and supporting organizations for making the event successful. She emphasized that awareness programs like this not only educate women about health issues but also strengthen solidarity among women entrepreneurs.
Participants also shared positive feedback, noting that the interaction provided valuable knowledge and created a safe platform to discuss sensitive health topics openly. Through this event, TEWAN reaffirmed its commitment to promoting women’s empowerment, health awareness, and equal participation in Nepal’s tourism sector, aligning with the broader message of International Women’s Day, ensuring rights, justice, and action for all women and girls.
