Women from diverse walks of life who have set remarkable examples in their respective fields were honored with the WOW Women Achievers' Awards 2026 amid a special function held in Kathmandu on Tuesday evening.
The honorees include Dr Radha Paudel, a renowned social activist, writer, and dignified menstruation expert (Social Service/Activism); artist Abhaya Subba Weise (Art), National Blind Women's Cricket Team (Sports), Superintendent of Police Basundhara Khadka (Leadership); and Hajuri Bista (Entrepreneurship).
Likewise, Deputy Speaker Rubi Kumari Thakur was honored with the title of Inspiring Woman of the Year while founder principal of Gyanodaya Balbatika, Indira Yakthumba, received the Lifetime Achievement Award.
The awards were presented by WOW (World Of Women), a monthly magazine, dedicated to women's issues and achievements.
Delivering the keynote speech at the event, 21-year-old Sonam Bhuti Gurung, a teacher from Upper Dolpa, said that although Dolpa is admired for its breathtaking natural beauty, majestic mountains, and snowfall, the people there continue to face numerous hardships.
"Lack of educational opportunities, limited access to development and the absence of other basic facilities in many areas makes lives tougher there. Around 80 percent of the people in Dolpa still do not have access to education, and life there remains extremely challenging,” she said, urging the state and development partners to view Dolpa with a sense of justice and prioritize its development.
Earlier, participating in a panel discussion, actress Rekha Thapa stressed the importance of women’s empowerment and the need for women to live with dignity and full respect for their bodily autonomy. She said women deserve the freedom and space to follow their dreams and pursue their careers without societal barriers or discrimination.
Talking to the RSS in brief, Dr Paudel, the winner of Madan Puruskar for her book Khalangama Hamala, a war memoir, said that it is a matter of pride to be honored for decades-long fight for dignified menstruation.
Lawmaker and former deputy speaker Indira Rana Magar, Prime Minister Balendra Shah's spouse Sabina Kafle, Muskan Khatun, Dr Reeta Gurung, and Susan Vaidya Shrestha, president of Agni Foundation, were among those who presented the awards to the honorees.
