Sancharika Group Nepal organized an interaction program with experts in Kathmandu on Monday on the role of media in promoting women entrepreneurship. The program discussed in detail how much priority the mainstream media has given to the issue of women entrepreneurs.

The editors, civil society representatives, human rights activists and journalists participating in the discussion emphasized that the stories of small-scale women's enterprises should also be presented in the media in a positive manner. It was informed that Sancharika Group, with the support of GIZ Nepal, has published 21 fellowship stories titled 'Entrepreneurial Women' based on the struggles and success stories of women entrepreneurs from across the country.

Hari Bahadur Thapa, Editor-in-Chief of Bahrakhari, said that bringing inspiring stories of women entrepreneurs to the mainstream is a positive step in the current situation where only political issues are given priority. He mentioned that highlighting inspiring issues, even if small, will encourage other women to take up entrepreneurship. In the program, Shyam Badan Shrestha, a woman entrepreneur, shared her experience and complained that the media did not give enough space to women entrepreneurs even though they were doing business using their spare time along with their family responsibilities. She said that encouragement and support in market promotion from the media were necessary.

Human rights activist Charan Prasai said that issues related to women's entrepreneurship should be raised from a human rights perspective. She believed that the media should play a role in increasing the government's sensitivity towards women involved in small businesses.

Sancharika Group's advisor and former president Babita Basnet emphasized that priority should be given to promoting women's entrepreneurship through digital media. She said that the stories of the struggles of small businesses can be widely disseminated through digital platforms.

Advocate Pundevi Maharjan mentioned that the media should pay attention to strengthening the legal aspect along with success stories. Binija Nepal, Component Manager of GIZ Nepal, said that collaboration between the media and various bodies is necessary in promoting women's entrepreneurship. According to a six-month study report presented at the

program, news topics related to women vary across provinces. In the Far West and Karnali provinces, Chhaupadi and health-related issues have been highlighted more, while in other provinces, news related to entrepreneurship, digital business and political participation have been given priority.

Kamala Panthi, President of Sancharika Group Nepal, said that negative issues such as violence, rape and allegations are still given more priority in the media than the successes of women.