Actress Manisha Koirala has been honored at a special ceremony held at the upper house of the British Parliament, the House of Lords. She was recognized for her significant contributions to women empowerment through films and other platforms.
Presenting the honor, House of Lords member Lord Rami Ranger CBE praised Koirala for her impactful work in empowering women, supporting women’s health, cancer survivors, and advocating for rehabilitation through her cinematic roles.
Expressing her happiness after receiving the recognition, Koirala said the award inspired her to continue working for women’s empowerment. She thanked the organizers for allowing her to speak on such a prestigious platform and for acknowledging the voices of South Asian women. “This is a moment I will cherish forever,” she said. “It is a true privilege to stand here in the House of Lords—a place of tradition, leadership, and progress—and speak about women’s empowerment in South Asia.”
Koirala emphasized that women living in rural areas of Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Nepal are not victims but warriors. She highlighted the vast challenges faced by women across South Asia—from the hills of Nepal to the streets of Dhaka and the rural heartlands of India and Pakistan. Limited access to education, gender bias, child marriage, lack of healthcare, and financial dependency are still the harsh realities for many women, she noted.
According to Sujan Katwal MBE, organizer of the event and owner of Panas Gurkha Restaurant as well as a food activist, Manisha Koirala may be the first Nepali woman to receive such an honor in the House of Lords. He expressed joy in playing a key role in organizing the event to recognize Koirala’s contribution to women’s empowerment across South Asia and the world.
The program was attended by British MPs, former lawmakers, and women actively working in the field of women’s empowerment in South Asia.
