WOW Kathmandu 2017 Bites Speaker Profiles

Loonibha Tuladhar is a noted theatre actor who is famed on television as "Pawankali". Loonibha has actively worked for women's welfare.

It is rare and unique to be operating a "Safa Tempo" in context of Nepal and Surya is one of the few female drivers in Kathmandu to choose this profession to support her family.

Dr. Paleshwan Joshi Lakhey is one of the first female surgeons who has been practicing in Teaching Hospital. She is one of the most successful female surgeons in Nepal.

Defying the traditional role of women, Barsha Basnet is a bold and beautiful stunt bike rider.

Achala Dahal is the Director of Studies, Centre for Climate Change Management at Nepal Administrative Staff College and was a Daayitwa Innovation Leader. She talks about the importance of disaster preparedness in Nepal and how that relates to gender.

Vishnu Magar talks about leading her family as a single mother.

Sophie Sunuwar is a first professional transgender makeup artist in Nepal. She will share her story.

Charimaya Tamang was herself a victim of trafficking. She is now an established activisit leading Shakti Samuha, an anti-trafficking NGO.

Sabita is a burn victim and a survivor. She shares her stories to create awareness.

Rakshya Singh Rana is the first female film editor of Nepal. She talks about empowering women through films.

Payal is one of the first female DJ's in Nepal. She feels she has opened new avenue for women who are passionate about music.

Dr. Bijaya is a scientist who has a PhD in the field of Botany. She has specialized in various breeds of Orchid and talks about working with rural communities. 

Kripa Joshi is the artist behind the popular and widely loved character "Miss Moti". She tackles issues such as body image, gender representation and beauty myths in society.

Jayanthi Kuru-Utumpala is the first Sri Lankan, and first Sri Lankan woman to summit Mount Everest. She is a mountaineering professional and women’s rights advocate. She is currently serving as the first ever Goodwill Ambassador for Women's Rights for the Ministry of Women's Affairs. She is also the Goodwill Ambassador for Think Equal - a global education programme that aims to teach social and emotional intelligence to young children. 

Nidhi Goyal is a Mumbai-based activist committed to changing the lives of women and girls with disabilities. She is the Sexuality and Disability Program Director at the non-profit Point of View where she has researched and co-authored a pioneering online initiative www.sexualityanddisability.org— a comprehensive online resource on disability, gender, sexuality and violence.