Considered as one of Nepal’s most prestigious awards for women, ‘Celebrating Womanhood Awards 2011’ took place on December 23 at Yala Maya Kendra, Patan Dhoka.  It witnessed the felicitation of nine ladies for their success and achievements.

Organized by Creative Statements, the award was established in 2002 with the aim of highlighting the commendable work done by women from different walks of life across the country and  has honored 90 deserving women till date.

The recipients are chosen on the basis of their contribution to their respective area of work in recent years.

Speaking to national daily Republica, Creator and Coordinator of the project Shrijana Singh Yonzon shared that growing up in a family where women were encouraged to speak helped her realize her dreams into reality.

The Regional Awards comprises of nine special awards, which are named after nine Hindu Goddesses to honor the symbolism of each goddesses rather than their religious connotations.

This year’s recipients were Laxmi Timilsina, Kavre (Annapurna Award), Myagdi’s Yam Kumari KC (Bhagwati Award), swimmer Karishma Karki, Kathmandu (Bhawani Award), Laxmi Adhikari, Kaski (Durga Award), Pema Sherpa of Solukhumbu (Karuna Award), Deepa Rana Magar, Surkhet (Laxmi Award), Shrijana Pradhan, Kathmandu (Mahamaya Award), Kabita Poudyal, Kathmandu (Saraswati Award), Reshma and Mohilal Das, Dhnush (Shakti Award).

Credited for being the first midwife to utilize the Sono Site portable ultrasound machine internationally, senior midwife Pema Sherpa shared that the recognition has boosted her morale and renewed her faith in hard work.