Staff Correspondent 

In a bid to strengthen bilateral ties and empower women in media, the Embassy of Bangladesh in Kathmandu, in collaboration with Initiatives of Media Women (IMW) Nepal, hosted an interaction programme on  “Promotion of Friendship and Cooperation between Women Journalists of Nepal and Bangladesh.”

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives of Nepal, Indira Ranamagar was present  as the Chief Guest. 

In her address, she highlighted the entrenched structural and societal challenges that hinder women’s meaningful participation in the media. Drawing on her own experience as a politician and social worker, Ranamagar stressed the importance of collective action to dismantle these barriers and create a more inclusive, women-friendly media environment.

Bangladesh Ambassador to Nepal, Mr. Ghanshyam Bhandari, underscored the indispensable role women journalists play in amplifying the voices of the voiceless and shining light on untold stories. Commending IMW’s initiative in bringing together journalists from both countries, he noted that such platforms are crucial for enhancing people-to-people connectivity.

President of IMW Nepal, Ms. Laxmi Bhandari said,  the organization’s ongoing efforts to uplift women professionals in the media sector. She expressed optimism that the event would lay the groundwork for lasting friendship and collaboration between media women of Nepal and Bangladesh.

 Dr. Husne-Ara Begum, founder of Thengamara Mohila Sabuj Sangha (TMSS), and Mr. Msj Swopnil, Deputy Director of the Joint Council CC23, who echoed the need for greater cooperation and gender-sensitive narratives in journalism also addressed. 

The event began with an informal interaction session, where participating journalists from both countries exchanged personal stories, discussed mutual challenges, and explored opportunities for future partnerships.

Organisers hope the initiative will serve as a catalyst for deeper professional collaboration and sustained dialogue among women journalists in South Asia