Kabita Pokhrel Has bagged American Award for Outstanding Leadership and Service Award

I am Kabita Pokhrel from Kathmandu, Nepal. I was an employee before and now am an entrepreneur.

I had completed my bachelor and joined the masters in Economics and side by side I am also looking for the job and joined the Standard chartered bank. I completed my masters and serve the bank for 23 years. After completing 20 years I wanted to quite the job but I thought of what to do next. Finally, I resigned in 2015 and came out of the deep well to see the world around. During my service at Standard chartered bank Nepal limited I worked in different departments like Customer service, Trade finance, Remittance and Finance as department / unit head and supervise / approve transactions and provide suggestions / guidance to the subordinates / customers as and when required. I was also involved in various CSR activities led by the bank. I have attended following important trainings in the bank.

• Comprehensive Banking Program organized by Australia and New Zeeland Banking Group Limited (ANZ) Grit, 02-29 April 1997, Kathmandu, Nepal.
• International Trade Skill Assessment Program organized by Standard Chartered Bank Nepal Limited, Kathmandu Nepal.
• Other various trainings organized by Standard Chartered Bank Nepal Limited, Kathmandu Nepal.
• Attend 15 days on the job training in Standard Chartered Bank Bombay India to have an overview of international working standard / culture.

• Besides this I have also provided inhouse trainings in own department and inter department as well. 

Currently I am working as director in Asha Laghubitta Bittiya Santha Limited a D class national level financial institution providing financial solutions to marginalized women. This Institution has 51 branches across the nation. I am the coordinator of risk committee of the institution and providing the suggestions to the board and the committee as well regarding various risk related issues and mitigation plans.

Nepal has great potential for hydropower development. As per the report it can develop up to 100000 mw however, we have generated only 2700 mw till now. Main pillar of the Nepal’s development is Hydropower which does not need any raw materials for the product and marketing to sell. Nature has gifted us the water resource. Not only in Nepal there is a possibility of regional collaboration for Investment, technical support and other associated trading opportunities. These are the factors that encourage me to move in this sector after leaving the bank.

Now I am working as board of director in few hydropower projects which combine capacity is 62 MW. Among those projects 25 MW upper Dordi Khola  “A” Hydro power project has been connected to national grid on 17 Mangshir 2079 (December 3, 2022) and others are in different stages of development. Some are constructing access road and some are under PPA process.

In 4.5 MW Gasali Khola hydropower project I am taking the role of executive chairperson and driving the project related works like liaising with all stakeholders, contractors, Regulators and conducting annual general meeting etc.

Besides this I am secretary of Independent Power Producers Association (IPPAN) an umbrella organization of private hydro power developer. Previously I was executive committee member and recently elected in the position of secretary. I am leading the women in Energy Nepal Campaign in IPPAN and advocates for a greater inclusion of women in different levels of energy sector and its associated business. IPPAN and IFC (International Finance Cooperation) signed a MOU regarding PBW (Powered by women) initiatives. Under these initiatives 19 private hydropower companies including IPPAN get benefitted through various trainings and technical sessions. This initiative prepares 19 leaders in the energy market and hope these 19 leaders may help to develop other female leaders in the market in the days to come.

I am working in the male dominated energy sector and trying to encourage the other females to move in this sector as well.

I have attended various trainings and hydro summits organized by IPPAN, IFC and USAID. Some are listed below:

• Attended conference of We Power - First regional conference of women in Power sector in South Asia in 2019.
• Organize a workshop in Women in Energy Nepal with the joint collaboration of IPPAN & IFC where 100 + participants have participated.
• Paper presentation on Himalayan Hydro Expo held on 2^nd  to 4^th  April,  2022 .
• Participated in Power summit 2023 as a panelist in the session sustainable hydropower development.
• Participated as a panelist at SAWIE (South Asian women in energy) regional conference on Advancing Women’s leadership in climate action organized on May 11, 2023.

• Participated as panelist in the program ‘’’Sustainability matters.’’ Organize by IFC (International Finance Cooperation) on June. The program was organized to discuss the milestones we have achieved from the Nepal’s hydro Power program.

Thanks to Award Committee.

I am grateful to the award committee for choosing me for this prestigious American award which is affiliated with United research council. Winning of this award encourage me to do more in the sector where I am currently working on.

The award committee has recognized my effort and make me fee special among other people. This International Award under the category of American Award for Outstanding Leadership and Service really boost up my confidence level and encourage me to do more in the days to come.

I express my gratitude to award team. Thank you once again for choosing me.

Eagerly waiting for the Physical award and the other promotional activities. It could have been better if we can have this honor in the event that has been organized in physical presence.