Banking News – As Mahakavi Laxmi Prasad Devkota once wrote, “What is the goal, to fly and touch the moon?” Many draw inspiration from these words, aiming to reach great dreams and goals. Focusing on this sentiment, Anju Sharma, the Chief of the Bagmati Province of Everest Bank, emphasizes that one must work towards their goals with determination.

As a child, Anju was interested in everything around her, with a particular fondness for sports. Though she hadn’t set a specific goal at the time, she was quite adept at managing tasks. Now, she realizes that her childhood interest in managing activities has ultimately turned into her purpose. Anju’s early life was filled with happiness. Her father worked in the government, and she grew up with one brother, one sister, and a younger brother. “My mother took care of everything, from food to all household chores. I grew up in a very disciplined environment at home, and my family and community were incredibly supportive,” she reminisces.

Anju began her career with a foreign consulting company focused on energy before moving to work at NIDC Capital Markets for about a year. From there, she transitioned into the insurance industry, working at The Oriental Insurance’s Nepal branch for three years. “Based on my experiences at three different companies, I realized that banking, with its better earnings, respect, and discipline, was the field I was drawn to,” she recalls.

Anju didn’t just want a job; she wanted to gather experience in a disciplined environment, which led her to banking. When she first entered the banking sector, she wasn’t focused on the salary but was happy to work in a field she was passionate about. Reflecting on her initial salary, she says, “Back then, my monthly salary as an assistant was only 3,000 rupees.”

Entering any field comes with challenges, and Anju faced many when she joined the banking sector. Initially, her challenges included managing the workload, understanding client expectations, and adapting to new systems. “Challenges are everywhere. However, if you stick to your work and manage your time, solutions begin to appear, and the courage to solve recurring problems increases,” she explains.

Today, Anju is responsible for overseeing 46 branches of Everest Bank. She finds satisfaction in her work and enjoys learning new tasks. Being in a leadership role, she takes pride in exchanging experiences with her colleagues. Anju has faced various challenges as a woman in the banking industry, but she believes that with self-confidence, consistent hard work, and support from her institution, these challenges can be overcome. “Being a woman doesn’t mean that challenges don’t arise in professional life, but with self-confidence and continuous effort, it becomes easier to overcome them,” she states.

Anju’s family has been a significant support in her career. She views her family as the backbone of her career. Without their support, she believes it wouldn’t have been possible for her to achieve career success. Her husband, who works as the Deputy CEO of a life insurance company, has been especially supportive due to his understanding of the banking sector. “I am incredibly grateful to my mother and mother-in-law, without whom I wouldn’t be where I am today,” she adds.

Banking: A Woman-Friendly Sector

In Anju’s view, banking is one of the best fields for women. It offers respect, security, and excellent facilities for female employees. She acknowledges that women in this sector often carry more family responsibilities, but their self-confidence makes the sector easier for them to navigate. “Women are more capable in leadership roles, and this sector is becoming increasingly accessible to women,” she says.

Balancing family and career is an art, according to Anju. However, she emphasizes that women must prioritize creating a happy environment for their children. She believes that understanding society’s perceptions of women and navigating them wisely can lead to success in a career. “Women should never let society’s perspective hold them back. I’ve never faced a challenge solely because I am a woman,” she shares.

“Just as gold takes shape after being heated in fire, women need to recognize their strengths, work hard, and never believe that any task is too difficult,” 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 leading women in the banking and insurance sectors.