March 6, Kathmandu – Dharmaraj Bhusal, Chairman of OnlineKhabar.com (Pvt. Ltd.), stated that each story of the 50 influential women is like a university in itself, and that history will eternally remember these impactful contributions. Speaking at the event unveiling the 2082 BS list of influential women, Chairman Bhusal emphasized that attempts to portray women merely as ‘victims,’ ‘mute,’ or ‘supportive’ have failed. “Our society long tried to depict women only as ‘victims,’ ‘mute,’ or ‘supportive,’ but the 50 faces present here have successfully shattered that traditional mindset,” he said. “You have broken through conventional limits, deficiencies, and policy weaknesses to carve your own paths.”
Chairman Bhusal described the ‘OnlineKhabar 50 Influential Women’ campaign as a small effort to honor their contributions. He underscored the media’s duty not just to revolve around power but to bring the sweat and struggles of grassroots people into the mainstream. “Today’s media role is no longer confined to recording politicians’ speeches or making negative incidents headlines. The evolving state of journalism challenges us: Are we truly showing the real picture of our society? Media’s work is not just about power and authority; it is about telling the stories of the grassroots people’s sweat, struggle, and success,” said Chairman Bhusal.
He clarified that when compiling the list, official positions or titles were not the primary criteria. “We did not set specific positions or responsibilities as standards for this list. Our main criterion is the impactful work done in society,” he explained.
He extended greetings to the honorable Acting Chief Justice, distinguished guests, respected sisters from various geographic regions of the country, and all attendees. “Despite your busy schedules, thank you for supporting us in moving forward. On behalf of the OnlineKhabar family and personally, I sincerely welcome and thank everyone. I feel a special energy at today’s program. This energy is not merely formal but reflects dreams, struggles, and a transforming Nepal. Today, we are revealing the list of ’50 Influential Nepali Women.’ I congratulate and honor all these great women.
Dear guests, I would like to begin with a brief clarification and honest admission. OnlineKhabar has traditionally published this list annually on International Women’s Day. However, this year, we had a significant national responsibility to fulfill. Due to the general election held on Falgun 21 (March 5), our entire editorial team had to work diligently providing election updates and supporting democracy. Therefore, we could not release this list on March 8 but have done so a few months later.
Over the past four months, we rigorously discussed more than 460 names. Listening to the stories of women from the Himalayas to the Terai and abroad, it became clear that Nepal indeed stands on the shoulders of women. The media’s role is not limited to recording political speeches or highlighting negative news. Its responsibility is to bring the efforts, struggles, and aspirations of grassroots people into the mainstream. The ‘OnlineKhabar 50 Influential Women’ campaign is a significant step toward that responsibility.
Our society had long tried to portray women as ‘victims,’ ‘mute,’ or ‘supportive,’ but the 50 women represented here have broken that myth. These women have shattered narrow traditional confines, mountains of scarcity, and policy gaps to forge their own paths. When preparing this list, we did not measure by position or role but by exemplary deeds.
The story of a worker from Jajarkot who processed Ratnapathar and succeeded in reaching the international market is extraordinary. A woman who married at age ten but went on to empower thousands to become self-reliant; a courageous woman who cleaned hospital floors while fighting for Dalit women’s justice; all these are universities in themselves. A woman who lost her eyesight at three but became an Under Secretary in Braille script; a devoted woman giving artificial respiration to newborns; a teenage girl fighting abroad to save her brother’s life – all will be eternally remembered by history.
You are Nepal’s true influencers. Your impact is not measured by social media views but by the living standards of grassroots people. This year, we announce the formation of the ‘50 Influential Women Alumni’ network, which will connect these honored women, open paths for collaboration, and serve as mentors for future generations.
Finally, though only 50 women could be included due to our limitations, thousands more influential women exist, whose contributions are inscribed in golden letters in society. We will continue to share your stories in the days ahead. In this new post-election period, the energetic women present here clearly demonstrate Nepal’s promising future. You are the fireflies capable of bringing light to darkness. The recent Gen Z movement has brought Nepal its first female Prime Minister and increased the presence of young women and youth in parliament, a source of pride. Now, policy reforms for women and swift justice for those who have suffered violence are urgently needed.
On behalf of OnlineKhabar, I express our commitment not to silence the voices of courageous women like you and to always stand for hope, struggle, and success in journalism. We sincerely thank the adjudicating panel, colleagues, business partners, and readers who have supported this campaign. May your journeys continue forever. In this journey toward equality and coexistence, OnlineKhabar will always stand with you. Once again, welcome to all and heartfelt congratulations to the honored personalities. Thank you.
