WoNiMS Annual Conference 2023: Fostering Female Mathematical Minds in Nepal

The Women of Nepal in Mathematical Sciences (WoNiMS) Annual Conference (WAC-2023) has successfully concluded its three-day event in Kathmandu. The conference, which came to a close on November 5th, 2023, stood as a testament to advancing women's participation and interest in the field of mathematics.

Engagement and Representation

• The event saw active participation from 58 women mathematics educators and students from a diverse group of countries including India, Pakistan, America, France, and Nepal.
• Sushmita Pathak, a prominent member of the organizing committee, highlighted the presentation of 39 insightful working papers that delved into numerous mathematical topics.

Expert Opinions and Educational Concerns

• Prof. Dr. Hira Bahadur Maharjan, the esteemed former Vice-Chancellor of Tribhuvan University, addressed the critical need for governmental action to reverse the growing disenchantment with mathematics in Nepal's education system.
• He pointed out the worrying trend indicated by the Secondary Education Examination (SEE) results and advocated for the role of international conferences in revitalizing the interest in mathematics education.

Conference Goals and Aspirations

• The conference's aim, as explained by Co-Professor Dhankumari Thapa, the president of the host organization, was two-fold: to draw women into the sphere of mathematics and to disseminate innovative teaching and learning methods on a global scale.
• Thapa reinforced the idea of institutional solidarity among mathematics teachers as a means for shared growth and global knowledge exchange.

Forward-Looking Initiatives

• With an eye to the future, the organization anticipates launching various programs designed to encourage women's involvement in mathematics, thereby contributing to the wider goal of gender parity in STEM fields.

Closing Thoughts

The WoNiMS Annual Conference has undoubtedly created a collaborative and empowering platform for women in mathematics. It highlights the critical role such conferences play in inspiring educators, students, and academics to share knowledge and foster an inclusive community for mathematical pursuit. This event marks another step towards bridging the gender gap in STEM and paves the way for more women to lead and innovate in the mathematical sciences.