Date: March 9, 2024

Sudikshya Poudel

To honor the historical and groundbreaking initiatives taken by women in the field of Travel and their remarkable spirits of womanhood Girls Empowered by Travel-Nepal (GET Nepal) unfolded its vibrant tapestry of empowerment, inspiration, narratives, speakers, performers, and participants at St, Xavier’s College, Maitighar for the celebration of International Women’s Day 2024. The event served a massive success as is evident by the number of participants.

Themed “Invest in women: Accelerate progress,” the event served as a platform to challenge all the societal issues faced by women through the transformative power of travel stories. The voices of women in travel amplified the voices and challenged the stereotypes in our country. The stories ignited the spirit of doing something for a greater cause among all the women.

The day commenced with a spirited welcome by the event host, setting the day of enlightenment and inspiration. Miss Sajana Bhadel and Miss Dibya Shrestha inaugurated the event, infusing it with a sense of purpose. Prayers from Chain for Change – Miss Samjhana Rijal, filled the atmosphere with her melodious voice followed by a captivating welcome dance by Pragati and her group from St. Xavier’s College enthralled the audience, evoking a sense of unity and celebration.

As the day unfolded, attendees were treated to a diverse array of experiences, with storytelling sessions by esteemed speakers such as Usha Khanal, Sumitra Acharya, and Sita Subedi, who shared their transformative journeys and invaluable insights. Their narratives ignited a sense of spirit, and resilience and weaving the tapestry of courage and determination that resonated with all the fellow women audiences.

The storytelling sessions were complemented by captivating performances and theatrical presentations by emerging talents like Shradhha KC and Lhakpa Bhuti Lama, whose artistry illuminated the stage and ignited the vibes of determination and resilience. One of the notable performances includes the impeccable dance performance of Ankish Shrestha. He graced the stage with his phenomenal moves and left the audience in awe.

Moreover, the event served as a platform to showcase the entrepreneurial endeavors of women, with an expo featuring stalls from 10 women entrepreneurs. From traditional handicrafts to innovative startups, the exhibition highlighted the diverse talents and creativeness of women, fostering networking opportunities and promoting economic empowerment.

Attendees also had the opportunity to engage in thought-provoking discussions on sustainable travel, led by esteemed speakers like Juliette Hamon, who underscored the importance of responsible tourism in driving positive change and preserving cultural heritage. It was a reminder that we all have a role to play in safeguarding the environment for future generations.

Trave-Yeller VII was not only a celebration of women’s achievements but also a call to action to invest in their potential and accelerate progress. Certificates were distributed to participants of the Women Leadership in Tourism program, volunteers, and attendees from St. Xavier’s College, recognizing their contributions to the cause of women’s empowerment.

Partnerships were celebrated and acknowledged, with organizations such as Intrepid DMC Nepal, Nebico Pvt. Ltd., Mankaa Kura, Eventor Nepal, and Tourism for Resilient Society and Environmental Sustainability (TREES) receiving tokens of appreciation for their steadfast support.

To recapitulate, Trave-Yeller VII epitomized GET Nepal’s unwavering commitment to reshaping narratives, breaking barriers, and empowering women through the transformative power of travel. As the event drew to a close, it left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of attendees, inspiring all of us to create an inclusive and equitable society for all women.

I felt the event was much needed. The event not only unfolded the stereotypes, and conservative narratives regarding women traveling but also created a platform for women to share their travel stories so that girls and women like us are never afraid to take the next step for our betterment, to take that one step out of our comfort zone and have faith in ourselves that nothing is impossible once we are determined to do what we want. As well as entrepreneurial stalls captivated me through their amazing products. I felt inspired and motivated to support female-led businesses in my community. As I reflect on the day’s event, I feel a sense of purpose in my life and a strong feeling of determination to support women’s empowerment in whatever way I can.

In conclusion, Trave-Yeller VII is not just an event; it is a movement for change. I encourage everyone to join us in this journey of empowerment, inspiration, and solidarity as we work towards a brighter, more inclusive future for all.