The Moderator set the tone for the panel saying, “While the idea of ‘give to gain’ is powerful and positive, it is equally important to acknowledge and reflect on the potential downsides of giving, so that it remains healthy and sustainable for everyone involved.”
“I am able to say no, and that is very important, especially as a woman. However, it is equally important to do it in a dignified way. The ability to say no should come from a clear understanding of what you want and what you deserve. We all have a collective right to live our lives according to our choices, and we must realise that true freedom is not possible until we can say no. You do not have to be extremely successful to exercise that right, anyone in any capacity should recognise their value and know that they can say no.”
REKHA THAPA, Actor, Filmmaker, Social Activist and Politician
“Women are often taught to always give which makes it difficult for us to say no. When you are constantly saying yes and giving, it can become draining. If I do not have anything left to give, I cannot keep saying yes, so I set healthy boundaries with everyone. I have received backlash for not supporting certain sponsorships with people questioning my compassion. But I have learned to stand firm, because doing something out of obligation rather than genuine capacity would ultimately hamper everyone involved.”
SUSAN VAIDYA SHRESTHA, Managing Director of Agni Group
“Being in the hospitality field, I do not give to gain; I give because I genuinely want to give. Everyone has a different capacity to contribute, and not everyone can give equally. One of the most powerful things a person can do is say no without feeling the need to explain themselves. I find that powerful because it reflects the understanding that it is their life and their choice. When I say no, it is not only for my own benefit but also because it may be better for the other side to collaborate with someone who can truly give their time and energy.”
GAURAV AGARWAL, Managing Director of Everest Hospitality
“The work I lead through Aloi, providing women with access to finance is about much more than financial support. When women gain access to capital, their businesses flourish and their independence grows. Through the women I work with at Aloi, I travel the world and speak on global platforms, reinforcing the message of empowerment. In that sense, I gain as well. There is a powerful multiplier effect in the idea of ‘give to gain,’ both the women I support as well as I benefit in ways that traditional financial systems rarely make possible.”
SONIKA MANANDHAR, Social Entrepreneur, Co-Founder & CTO of Aloi Global
“When the idea of giving back exists, it is ultimately about giving back to society and to people. Life teaches you through both highs and lows, and as a woman those lessons can be especially profound. Whatever I have learned and cherished through my journey, I want to pass on to other women so that they can grow, thrive, and move forward with confidence.”
ADV. JENISH PAHARI SHRESTHA, Founder of Butterfly Films
“I would not say I simply volunteered; I dedicated myself sometimes working up to 18 hours a day to building this organisation. In the early stages, we did not have the choice to customise our initiatives because we were still learning. Now, after many years, we have clear boundaries about what we can and want to do. If anyone questions my organisation or the boundaries we set when we say no, I know it is the right decision for my team and me because we prioritise meaningful, quality collaboration over mere quantity.”
JIMMY LAMA, Founder of Helambu Education and Livelihood Partnership
