Banking News – Everyone has their own dreams, and no one can succeed without a dream or a goal. People dedicate themselves to achieving their dreams, sometimes even changing fields when circumstances force it. However, it is possible to find success in a new field, even if it wasn’t the initial area of interest. Ranjana Paudel Pandit, Director at Nepal Rastra Bank, is one such example of success achieved by following an unexpected career path.

Born in the village of Bichari Chautari in Syangja, Ranjana completed her primary education in a local school. She then completed her secondary education at Janaprabhat Higher Secondary School in Kalimati, Kathmandu. Ranjana pursued her undergraduate studies at Padmakanya College, completing both I.Com and B.Com, followed by an MBS from Shankar Dev Campus.

While studying Commerce, Paudel topped her class with excellent marks and even received a medal for her academic achievements. After working for about a year and a half at Agricultural Development Bank, she entered Nepal Rastra Bank by passing the Public Service Commission exam. Alongside her banking career, she also completed her studies in Economics.

Reflecting on her childhood, Paudel recalls the simple pleasures of her village life, including caring for livestock and receiving love from her grandparents. Back then, the nearest school was far, and she vividly remembers the hard labor involved in maintaining the school buildings. “We had to carry stones and gravel for repairs,” she says.

A Dream Shifted by Friends’ Influence

As a child, Ranjana didn’t dream of entering banking. She initially aspired to become a staff nurse. After completing her SLC, she started studying I.Com with the intention of becoming a nurse. However, her friends’ enthusiasm led her to take an exam for Agricultural Development Bank, eventually leading her to a career at Nepal Rastra Bank. Her father, a banker at Nepal Rastra Bank, had always wished that his children would join the public service rather than pursue a banking career, believing that government jobs offered security.

Paudel reflects on the challenges of working in the banking sector when she started, especially due to the rapid technological changes. “At that time, working in banking was challenging,” she says, adding that there were still negative perceptions towards female employees in the sector. “When women got jobs back then, people thought they were given the positions out of favor, and there was a belief that women couldn’t work independently without relying on others,” Paudel recalls.

Banking: A Women-Friendly Sector

Despite the challenges, Paudel believes the banking sector is a favorable place for female employees. She emphasizes that it offers opportunities for women and is a field many women aspire to join. “Many women aim to study Commerce and enter banking,” she says. However, she stresses the need to provide special considerations for women, especially in terms of working hours and ensuring they don’t face any obstacles due to their family responsibilities.

Paudel argues that it’s wrong to assume that women in banking are incapable simply because they have familial duties. “Women are often seen as weaker due to time management issues, but that’s not true. Women are more capable; we think long-term and approach tasks with integrity,” she says. She believes that both male and female employees should be given equal opportunities for training and development.

Mastering Time Management

Paudel also believes that managing both family and work life requires skill. “We need to prove that women can handle both work and family while continuing to grow in their professional capabilities,” she says. Women need to demonstrate their ability to balance these responsibilities confidently and with patience. “Confidence and perseverance are key to achieving success,” she adds.

Ranjana’s journey from an assistant to a director at Nepal Rastra Bank has been fulfilling. She speaks proudly of her work in various departments, including the Foreign Exchange and Research Departments, where she gained valuable insights into economics and regional development. Her time spent in the U.S. working in the International Monetary Department further expanded her knowledge, particularly regarding the capabilities of women in leadership roles.

Facing Gender Bias

Paudel has faced instances where her capabilities were questioned simply because of her gender. “I’ve experienced moments when men in lower positions were trusted more than I was, simply because I was a woman,” she shares. She notes that while the situation has improved over time, women in banking still face gender-based discrimination.

Support from her family has been vital in her success. “Before marriage, my parents supported me, and after marriage, my husband has always encouraged me to be successful. Whether it’s managing household work or pursuing my studies, my husband has always been there to support me,” she says. She also acknowledges the support from her in-laws, who encouraged her to pursue her career.

Policy Changes Needed to Empower Women

Paudel stresses that policies should be put in place to support women in banking, particularly regarding maternity responsibilities. She believes that special attention should be given to creating an environment where female employees can balance both their family and professional lives without facing barriers. “Women in this sector deserve to work in an environment where they are respected and treated with dignity,” she says.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8, Paudel’s story stands as an inspiring example of resilience and success for women in the banking sector. Her message to women considering banking as a career: “This sector is open for us, and we can succeed here just as much as anyone else.” However, she also emphasizes that women must continuously improve their skills before entering this field.

(This article is based on an interview with Ranjana Paudel as part of a special series on leadership roles held by women in banking and insurance sectors, prepared by Banking News on the occasion of International Women’s Day.)