‘Connecting Minds for a Better Future’

The Embassy of Nepal in Spain organized an Online Webinar titled ‘Connecting Minds for a Better Future’ on the occasion of the 8th International Day of Women and Girls in Science in Madrid on Saturday. The programme featured experience sharing and presentations from a panel of ten women and girls in science, five each from Spain and Nepal, who are industry leaders in their respective fields.

The panel comprised Molecular biologist and oncologist Dr Maria Blasco, Professor of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology Dr Maria Jose Alonso, Chair in the area of Theoretical Physics Dr Alicia Sintes, Neurobiologist Dr Maria Dierssen and Ms Maria Bouso Posada, Researcher of Earth and Space Sciences from Spain, according to a release from the Nepali Embassy in Madrid. Likewise, Founder and Director of Research at Kathmandu Institute of Applied Sciences Dr. Hemu Kharel Kafle, Professor and Researcher in Botany Dr. Bijaya Pant, Professor at the University of Agriculture and Forestry Dr Sunila Rai, Dr Meena Poudel from Sociology sector; and Dr Reshma Tuladhar, Associate Professor at the Department of Microbiology represented Nepal in the interaction.

The panelist presented their ongoing work and how it has impacted and touched millions of lives by bringing constructive and positive changes in society. They also shared their experiences of balancing between personal life and career growth and stressed on the need of more women and girls in the field of science. Earlier, in her welcome address Ambassador of Nepal to Spain, Dr Sarmila Parajuli Dhakal highlighted the significant role played by women and girls in the advancement of society as a whole, with their contribution to politics, economics, culture, environment and science among others. She further stressed that gender equality and women empowerment are at the center of the Constitution of Nepal and in coherence with Agenda 2030.

The webinar was attended by Ambassadors of different countries, diplomats, officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of the Kingdom of Spain, Nepali Diaspora, Media Personnel, other distinguished guests from diverse sections of the society.