Chandni Joshi, a prominent advocate for gender equality and policy reform in Nepal and South Asia for over five decades, was honored in New York during the Asian American Women’s Empowerment Celebration. The event recognized her lifelong contributions to women’s rights, including her pioneering work as the former Regional Director of the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) South Asia Regional Office, where she played a key role in establishing UNIFEM offices in India and Pakistan.
Organized in honor of Women’s History Month 2025, the event brought together community leaders, activists, and policymakers to highlight the achievements of Asian American women. Joshi received official proclamations from U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, New York State Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar, and Assemblymember Steven Raga, acknowledging her efforts in advancing women’s rights, particularly for home-based workers and marginalized communities.
Expressing gratitude for the recognition, Joshi reflected on the significance of receiving such an honor in the United States. “This is truly an emotional moment for me,” she shared. “This recognition is not just for me but for all the women and home-based workers I have fought for throughout my life.”
Alongside a discussion of her renowned work and newly published book, “Weaving My South Asian Tapestry,” Ms. Joshi emphasized the urgent need for continued advocacy in gender rights, home-based worker protections, and the importance of engaging the next generation in the movement. Guests participated in a book signing session, further engaging with Joshi’s legacy and contributions.
In her keynote address, Joshi reiterated the continuing need for advocacy in gender rights, the protection of home-based workers, and the importance of engaging younger generations in the movement.
The event also honored seven distinguished women from diverse backgrounds as the 2025 Women Empowerment Honorees, recognizing their contributions to community service, leadership, and women’s empowerment.
The honorees included Dolma Lama, Dr. Priya Rimal, Dr. Puspa Acharya Kafle, Shivangi Singh, Sumi Sarkar, Tandeep Kaur Sawhney, and Tsering Diki. Each honoree expressed appreciation for the recognition and the inspiration drawn from Joshi’s decades of advocacy.
The event was moderated by Pragya Panthi, Chair of the Apan Foundation’s Youth/Student Welfare Committee, showcasing the platform’s commitment to youth leadership. Amit Pratap Shah, Founder and Executive Director of Apan Foundation and Mithila Center USA, also highlighted the Mithila Heritage Exhibition and its role in promoting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Organized by the Apan Foundation in partnership with the Nepali Women’s Global Network (NWGN), Mithila Center USA, Chhaya CDC, Make Us Visible NY, GPK Foundation America, the New York Tibetan Service Center, and Bengali Interfaith Youth Empowerment Inc., the event reinforced a collective commitment to gender equality and social justice.
With strong community participation, the Asian American Women’s Empowerment Celebration served as a powerful reminder of the ongoing journey toward equality and the impact of dedicated advocacy.
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