--By Sujan Tiwari

 

After years of working in education sector and in areas of women empowerment and entrepreneurship development, Sharma has recently entered into politics. Sharma, who likes to call herself a social entrepreneur, is also a candidate for the Constituent Assembly polls under Proportional Representation electoral system from Madhesi People's Rights Forum in the recent CA Elections. “Politics will be my major focus from now onwards. I will bring forth the issues of women, youth and employment through politics,” says Sharma. 

 

Sharma has been working in the education sector since last 15 years, and believes that education is the most fundamental need. She has played the role of a pioneer in introducing Tourism Studies at the academic level in Nepal by starting Nepal College of Travel and Tourism Management in 1996. “I was inspired to open the college as tourism is the top most potential that Nepal has. I started the college to take tourism and education hand in hand. This is the first college to provide formal tourism education in Nepal,” says she. According to her, this is the only college in South Asia that offers Bachelor level courses 

in Tourism.  

 

The college provides academic courses like Bachelor in Travel and Tourism Management, Bachelor in Hotel management and Masters in Travel and Tourism Management. “My intention for starting the college was to merge education with tourism and help in providing employment through it. As Travel and Tourism Management is a professional course, the employment rate is very high, at around 98 per cent,” informed Sharma. She is also the Founder Director of Kaasthamandap Vidhalaya. 

 

 

Early Life

Sharma was born in Dillibazar of Kathmandu to Late Rohini Prasad Pant and Janaki Devi.  She says she enjoyed a childhood that was very happy and well provided for. “I grew up with my elder brother and little sister. We were taught from our childhood to care for others, and for those who are less fortunate,” recalls Sharma.  She did her schooling from Saint Mary’s School. Sharma says she was brought up in a very disciplined environment, both at home and at school.  She believes all her traits and characters developed from her education and upbringing. 

 

Sharma still remembers not having any definite career goals as a young girl. “As I grew up in well to do family, I didn’t gave much thought to career when I was young, but still I had the feeling that I should somehow contribute to the society,” says she. After school, she did her Intermediates from Ratna Rajya Laxmi Girls College, and later went to Delhi to study Interior Designing. After completing the course, she returned to Kathmandu. At that time, Interior Designing was quite a new thing. She tried a few jobs, but didn’t continue it as she didn’t see much prospect in it back then. 

 

“I again pursued my education, and did my Masters in Sociology from Patan Multiple Campus,” shares Sharma. She has also received numerous professional trainings including Conflict Transformation Across Cultures from SIT Graduate Institute Vermont, USA and Social Healing and Leadership in Peace building. It was the same time when Nepal was suffering from armed conflict, and the training helped to give her life a new direction. 

 

Philosophies

As an enterprising and creative woman, Sharma strongly believes that economic empowerment is the key to uplift women. “I believe in self employment and creativity. Through many associations, I have assisted numerous women empower themselves through skill development, trainings and through micro-credit projects,” says Sharma. 

 

Sharma has played an instrumental role in conflict management in the then war-torn areas like Kailali and Rukum. She got involved with organizations like Women Entrepreneur’s Association and Karuna Centre.  Also, her major involvement was in area of women empowerment through entrepreneurship development and employment generation. After the conflict ended, she was engaged in peace building process in communities. She has conducted numerous researches on Micro Enterprise Development in many remote areas of Nepal.  Sharma is also the Board Member Institute for Conflict Management, Peace and Development (ICPD) and a Life Member of Human Rights Association of Nepal. 

 

Along with advocating for equal rights for women, Sharma also believes that responsibilities should be equally divided between male and female. “Though the structure of our society is patriarchal, but it’s gradually changing. We should open our arms to change, but should not let go of our culture and values,” says Sharma.  However, she strictly disapproves of women working only in the households. “Women can contribute economically, and they should look after their family as well,” says she. She also believes in economic evaluation of women’s household work. 

 

Personal Side

Sharma is married to Pranesh Sharma, and says her relation with her husband is based on respect and friendship. “We are very compatible with each other, and share everything, no matter how small or big. I think every relation should be based on friendship for it to last forever,” says she. A mother of a son and a daughter- Pranav and Pallavi, Sharma says that she is blessed with a very happy and close-knit family. 

 

Sharma starts her day with a cup of tea with her husband. She believes in keeping herself fit, and goes to gym every day.  Her days are spent in meetings, in managing her college and in various organizations. Refusing to do any work on Saturdays, she relaxes on weekends and watches TV and reads biographies of famous personalities.   

 

The Road Ahead

Sharma has recently entered into politics, and plans to make it her major focus in the days to come. “I was always interested in politics, but I wanted to have adequate resources, skill and knowledge first. Now I think I am capable of contributing through politics,” shares Sharma. Sharma recalls advocating and lobbying with the government for women empowerment through FWEAN. That’s when she figured out that there were many difference in policy making level, and more women were needed there. “All the decisions are made at the upper level, and it need more voice from women. That level could only be reached through politics. That’s another reason why I am in politics now,” says she.  

 

Given the present situation of women in Nepal, Sharma thinks that they need some priority, so that they can have a level playing field. She advocates for reservation for women until they are equally placed.  “As women lack numerous opportunities in our country, they need some push for a certain time, until they can face the competition with men”, says she.   

 

According to Sharma, women entrepreneurs need to believe in themselves first, and should move ahead with a strong and positive attitude. “Follow three Ds, determination, dedication and finally the devotion for a cause. Success will surely come your way,” advises Sharma.