On, October 1, 2024, Hult Prize KU in collaboration with EEPEX and KUSOM Information Club organized an event aimed at celebrating and empowering women in STEM, “SheLeads: Inspiring Engineering Minds” bringing together pioneer female leaders from various technical fields. The event aimed to inspire the next generation of female engineers, featuring distinguished panellists who shared their journeys and insights into overcoming challenges in male-dominated industries. From energy diplomacy to civil and electrical engineering, and IT security, the event highlighted the diverse expertise of women reshaping Nepal’s engineering landscape.
Dr. Anzoo Sharma, a dynamic figure in the field of energy systems planning and rural development, headlined the panel. Currently the Director at the Center for Rural Technology, Nepal, Dr. Sharma shared her experiences in leveraging energy diplomacy to uplift rural communities. With a Ph.D. in Energy Diplomacy and over two decades of experience, she emphasised the importance of balancing energy security, environmental sustainability, and energy equity.
Er. Karuna Amatya, a renowned civil engineer and the Senior Engineer at Mericon Consultant, spoke about her pioneering role as the first female civil engineer in her community. Having worked on critical projects like Birat Nursing Home & Research Center, Er. Amatya reflected on her journey from receiving the Aiswarya Bhidya Award to leading landmark construction projects.
Another powerful voice was of Er. Mona Nyachhyon, founder of Monal Tech, a leading IT security firm. With over a decade of international experience, Er. Nyachhyon discussed the challenges of leading in the tech industry as a female CEO. She shared insights on building a diverse workforce and the significance of strong leadership.
Alongside her, Er. Radhika Kumari Sah, Deputy Head of the Electrical Department at the National College of Engineering, captivated the audience with her story of breaking barriers. She was the only woman among five men vying for the role of Deputy HOD, and she emerged victorious. “Being the only woman in the room can be daunting, but with resilience and passion, you can thrive,” she said, urging young women to confidently pursue leadership roles.
Likewise, Er. Aakriti Bhandari, an electrical and electronics engineer on power and control systems, added her voice to the discussion sharing her experience interning at the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, where she contributed to developing a low-cost device for environmental monitoring. With her experience sharing, she emphasised the value of interdisciplinary research and academia-industry collaboration.
The event concluded with a powerful message to young women aspiring to excel in STEM fields: “Go ahead, don’t stop yourself.” Each panellist emphasised the importance of persistence, community support, and breaking barriers. They encouraged the attendees to push boundaries and confidently pursue their dreams, even in fields traditionally dominated by men.
SheLeads provided a platform for discussion, mentorship, and motivation, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing journey towards gender equality in engineering and STEM. As more women step into leadership roles, events like this will continue to play a crucial role in inspiring future generations to follow their path and shape a more inclusive future in STEM industries.
