6th June 2025, Kathmandu
A one-day leadership workshop titled ‘Rise and Lead’ was held on Thursday at Galaxy Public School, Gyaneshwor, Kathmandu. The event focused on enhancing leadership skills among women and girls. It started at 8 a.m. and concluded in the afternoon.
Kathmandu Women’s Leadership Workshop
Organized By National PABSON
The National PABSON Kathmandu District Committee hosted the program. The Kathmandu Metropolitan Committee supported it through coordination and logistics. The goal was to uplift women’s leadership capacity through practical training.
Inaugurated By Key Figures
Geeta Kshetri Rana, founder and central chairperson of National PABSON, and Dr. Sara Safari, a U.S. professor and team leader of Climb Your Mountain, jointly inaugurated the workshop. Their opening remarks highlighted the importance of strong, confident women leaders in education and beyond.
U.S.-Based Experts Lead Training
Six female trainers from the United States delivered interactive sessions. Each trainer came from a unique professional background.
Dr. Sara Safari is an author, speaker, college professor, and women’s rights advocate.
Letizia Pileggi is a businesswoman and the founder of LP Investments.
Kathy Armstrong is the CEO of DA Manufacturing Company.
Marcia Lacour-Little is a clinical lab scientist and a retired graphic designer.
Kayla Armstrong studies at California Polytechnic University, Pomona.
Asha Patel is an Ayurvedic doctor.
These trainers guided participants through group activities, discussions, and skill-building exercises. They encouraged open communication and self-expression. Most sessions focused on building self-confidence and decision-making skills.
84 Students from 40 Schools Participated
The workshop welcomed 84 students from 40 different schools. All participants were girls. They attended sessions designed to help them discover their leadership potential. Many said the training helped them feel more confident. Others said it motivated them to take on leadership roles at school and in the community.
National PABSON Leaders Show Support
Several leaders from the National PABSON attended the event. Their presence showed institutional support for women’s empowerment. Key attendees included:
Former National President Karna Bahadur Shahi
Senior Vice President Surya Bahadur Adhikari
Vice Presidents Kumar Bahadur Bhattarai and Dambar Karki
Bagmati Province President Narayan Kumar Karki
Central Members Dr. Navarath Baniya, Nita Shrestha, and Bijaya Kharel
Kathmandu District Committee President Hom Bahadur Adhikari (Manoj)
Treasurer Bijaya Neupane, Joint Treasurer Hemant Shrestha
Joint Secretary Prakash Adhikari and Member Ram Prasad Kafle
Metropolitan Committee President Neelam Mani Bhattarai
These representatives observed the training and interacted with the participants.
Free Entry For All Schools
All participating schools received free entry. No registration fees were charged. This made the program accessible and inclusive. Organizers ensured all logistics, materials, and training were provided at no cost.
Commitment to More International-Level Workshops
In his welcome speech, Hom Bahadur Adhikari (Manoj) emphasized the need for more events like Rise and Lead. He said international-level training helps improve the quality of member schools. He promised to continue such programs across Kathmandu and beyond.
Positive Feedback From Participants
Participants gave strong feedback. Many said the workshop helped them gain a new perspective. They appreciated the open environment and interactive teaching style. Trainers also praised the enthusiasm and curiosity shown by the girls.
Conclusion
The Rise and Lead workshop brought together young female students, educational leaders, and international trainers in one space. It helped inspire leadership, build confidence, and promote women’s empowerment in schools. The event ended on a high note with a shared vision—to raise strong female leaders across Nepal’s education system.
For more: Kathmandu Women’s Leadership Workshop