Banking News – A well-known saying suggests that the progress of a society can be measured by the advancement of its women. The growth of Bangladesh, which was Nepal’s competitor in garment production and exports until around 2009, reflects this notion. With women making up more than half of the workforce, Bangladesh’s garment industry now exports over $40 billion annually, significantly contributing to its overall economic development.

It is widely believed that when a woman is educated, she uplifts many others along with her. In recent years, women have been gaining opportunities across various sectors, leading to some positive changes.

However, resistance to women’s employment still exists in some communities. Despite this, certain societies recognize the importance of women’s professional roles. Elina Ghimire, Branch Manager of Global IME Bank’s Kumari Pati branch, has been fortunate to receive strong family support throughout her career.

Born in Patan, Lalitpur, Ghimire is the eldest daughter in her family, with one brother and one sister. Her father was an employee at Nepal Rastra Bank, while her mother worked in a private company. Due to their demanding jobs, Ghimire spent part of her early childhood at her maternal home.

A Journey Shaped by Education and Family Influence

Ghimire recalls her early school days when she struggled to remember the names of her books and even faced punishment from a teacher. However, her academic journey led her to complete A-levels from James College, where she became a gold medalist. Initially interested in science, she later shifted to management, influenced by her father’s aspirations for her.

A Chartered Accountant by profession, Ghimire once considered moving abroad after completing her A-levels but ultimately chose to stay in Nepal, prioritizing her family’s wishes. She later became the first runner-up in the Mrs. Nepal World 2024 pageant.

Ghimire started her professional journey with an audit firm, where she worked for three years before transitioning into banking. She began her banking career at then-Janata Bank, later merged with Global IME Bank. Over time, she climbed the ranks from Assistant Audit Manager to Corporate Relationship Manager and eventually became Branch Manager.

Navigating Career and Family Responsibilities

Ghimire’s career growth was supported by her family, which never placed restrictions on her professional commitments. Married to a doctor, she upholds various responsibilities as a working mother. She acknowledges that while some traditional mindsets still discourage daughters-in-law from working, her personal experience has been different.

She firmly believes that education and professional opportunities should be equally accessible to both men and women. “If children study together, why should there be restrictions when they start working?” she questions.

As a mother, Ghimire sometimes wishes she could spend more time with her child, but she remains committed to her profession. She recalls returning to work just three months after childbirth and even breaking down in tears on the bus while heading to the office.

Looking ahead, she aspires to continue her banking career and serve as an example that daughters can achieve just as much as sons. She emphasizes the need to eliminate the societal expectation that women must manage household chores while also contributing professionally.

This feature is part of a week-long special series by Banking News, highlighting the contributions of women in leadership roles across the banking and insurance sectors in celebration of International Women’s Day (March 8, or Falgun 24 in the Nepali calendar).