Kathmandu – The statement that success requires sacrifice, hard work, and the willingness to put in effort resonates strongly with many. Sacrifice and struggle are integral to achieving success, and when striving for a goal, we must sometimes give up certain desires. Sacrifice is a reflection of our commitment and willpower. Nibha Shrestha, Director of Nepal Rastra Bank, believes that for women to grow in their careers, they must actively seek to enhance their knowledge and skills and step out of their comfort zones.

Nibha was born into a lower-middle-class family and is the eldest of three daughters. Being the eldest, it was natural for her to take on responsibilities after her parents. “My father was a government employee and my mother was a teacher, so I never felt the burden of being a daughter in the family,” Nibha shares.

Her parents were committed to empowering their daughters. Even though the family faced financial difficulties, Nibha’s mother enrolled her in a private school, believing in the importance of investing in her children’s education. Nibha recalls, “My mother believed in investing in good schooling for her children, even when times were financially tough.” She continued her education and completed her I.A.C. (Intermediate of Commerce).

Starting Her Career in Banking at 19

After completing her higher education, Nibha started her banking career at the age of 19 as a Junior Assistant at Nabil Bank, joining through an open competition. While working at Nabil Bank, she completed her B.B.S. from Kanya Campus in Dillibazar and later completed her Master’s degree. After working for 7 years at Nabil Bank, she applied for a position at Nepal Rastra Bank and joined as an Assistant Director. During her time at Nepal Rastra Bank, Nibha also earned a scholarship from the Australian government to study Applied Finance at Monash University in Australia. Upon returning, she continued her career at Nepal Rastra Bank, advancing to the position of Director after passing competitive exams.

A Career in Banking: A Path to Growth

Nibha’s journey into banking was inspired by seeing her aunts work in the field, and she recognized the potential for career growth and financial stability in the banking sector. She started her career with a salary of NPR 6,000 at Nabil Bank. Over time, more and more women are participating in the banking sector, which was once dominated by men. Nibha notes that the presence of women in banking has significantly increased compared to a decade ago.

Managing Family and Career

Nibha is married and has two daughters, along with her husband and in-laws living with her. She acknowledges that managing time as a working woman is a challenge, especially when family expects more time from her. “The challenge lies in managing time because women are often expected to give more time to the family,” she says. Despite this, she feels grateful for the support from her family. She shares that she has been able to spend comparatively more time with her family since joining Nepal Rastra Bank, as government job hours are more predictable than in the private sector.

Career Growth in the Financial Sector

Nibha is content with her career and believes that working in the banking sector allows for a balanced life. However, she expresses discomfort when she attends events in the banking sector and sees fewer women. “Both men and women should have equal opportunities,” she says. She believes that society needs to change the responsibilities it imposes on women, particularly when it comes to education and skill development. Nibha argues that investment in women’s education, skills, and advancement at the local level is crucial for their growth in the financial sector.

She emphasizes that with the vast scope of the financial sector, there are endless opportunities for career growth for those who diligently acquire relevant knowledge and skills. “Women can excel in this sector by working hard and enhancing their expertise,” she concludes.

This article is part of a special weekly series prepared by Banking News, in celebration of International Women’s Day (March 8), featuring interviews with women in leadership roles within the banking and insurance sectors.