Press Release
Her Excellency Dr. Sarmila Parajuli Dhakal, Ambassador of Nepal to the Kingdom of Spain, delivered a speech at the Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO) on 09 January 2024.
In her address, titled “Empowering Change: My Role as Nepal’s Women Ambassador in Advancing Gender Equality in Science through Diplomacy”, she provided an inspiring overview of Nepal’s progress toward gender parity, particularly in the field of science.
Ambassador Dr. Dhakal highlighted the constitutional underpinnings of women’s rights in Nepal, specifically referencing Article 38. This article guarantees equal rights for women in lineage, psychological safety, and representation in state affairs. She proudly noted Nepal’s significant political achievements, such as allocating 33% of parliamentary seats to women and attaining a 32.7% female representation in parliament, setting a South Asian precedent.
The Ambassador shed light on the “Empowered Women, Prosperous Nepal” program, a governmental initiative designed to transform societal norms and promote gender-equitable behaviour. Dr. Dhakal emphasized this program’s importance to Nepal’s vision for a prosperous and equitable future by 2030.
Ambassador Dr. Dhakal shared personal stories, drawing inspiration from her mother and grandmother.
She also discussed her Ph.D. research, which explored the depiction of women in religious texts. As a mother, she underscored the continuous need for gender equality, emphasizing its benefits for future generations.
Reflecting on her tenure as the first Ambassador of Nepal in Oman (2017-2022), Dr. Dhakal highlighted her efforts in raising awareness about breast cancer. She mentioned the Women and Girls on Science Day program organized by the embassy last year, a celebration of the contributions of female scientists from Nepal and Spain.
Furthermore, Dr. Dhakal underscored the scientific advancements achieved by the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) and its international collaborations. She specifically praised the Molecular Biotechnology Unit at NAST for its trailblazing DNA-based research.
Her speech also addressed the Nepal-European Union partnership, focusing on sustainable economic development and green technologies as vital cooperation areas. Dr. Dhakal invited European partners to collaborate in science and technology, particularly in renewable energy sectors like green hydrogen and ammonia.
In her conclusion, Dr. Dhakal reaffirmed Nepal’s steadfast commitment to advancing gender equality in science and diplomacy. She expressed gratitude for the unwavering support of the Government of Nepal and called for collective efforts toward a future where science, diplomacy, and gender equality merge to enhance the global community.
H.E. Dr. Sarmila Parajuli Dhakal was welcomed by Dr. María Antonia Blasco Director of the Spanish National Cancer Research Centre, a Spanish molecular biologist and her team.
H.E. Dhakal visited the research labs and talked with researchers before her speech and appreciated Dr. María Antonia Blasco with Nepali Khada for her contribution to the world.
12 JAN 2024
Embassy of Nepal
Madrid.
