Australian Embassy Nepal, in partnership with Badminton Association of Nepal and Nepal Netball Association organized an interaction on Women in Sports in Nepal. The discussions explored the current status of women in sports, the need for engagement of women in sporting activities and ways to improve women’s participation in sports including in the leadership positions in the institutions making decisions on sports related matters.

Opening the discussions, Australia’s Ambassador to Nepal Peter Budd said: “Women participation in sports is marred by social, cultural barriers much more than anything else and that this needs to change as sporting activities not only have health benefits but also help in self-empowerment and develops skills such as teamwork, goal-setting, the pursuit of excellence in performance among others, which is crucial for full personality development.”

According to a press release issued by Australian Embassy, ambassador Budd also underscored the need for promotion of sporting activities as a tool to provide women with opportunities for greater involvement in community activities and help express their feelings, expand networks and realize self-importance. Ambassador Budd called on for increased women’s access to the leadership positions in bodies making decisions related to sports.

 He also called media to promote women in sports in ways that do not reflect or reinforces gender stereotypes. Prof Dr Lokendra Sherchan made a key note presentation and a panel of experts comprising players, sports officials, administrators and trainers laid stress on more inclusion of women in sports in Nepal. Badminton Association of Nepal, Nepal Netball Association also presented on their activities through Australian Sports Partnership Program.