Tara Shah Has Won Outstanding Women Achiever Awards and Iron Lady of Construction businesses in Nepal

I am Tara Shah, hailing from the remote district of Kalikot in Nepal's Karnali region. My journey began as a student at Shree Pancha Dev Higher Secondary School in Kalikot, where I completed my higher secondary education (+2). Later, I pursued a Bachelor's degree from Tahachal Campus in Kathmandu.

For two decades, I served as the principal of Shree Mahadev Residential Lower Secondary School in Kalikot. It was during my tenure as a teacher that I realized the pressing need for development in Nepal's remote areas. Witnessing the struggles faced by women in accessing education and healthcare ignited a passion within me to contribute to the nation's progress.

In remote districts like Kalikot in the Karnali region, women encounter significant barriers to education and healthcare. These areas, where even salt is scarce, often burden women with heavy labor, such as cutting grass and engaging in daily chores and agricultural activities. The development and empowerment of women in such Himalayan regions seemed like a distant dream.

Collaborating with organizations like Nepal Red Cross, Human Rights, and Save the Children, I actively participated in initiatives aimed at improving the lives of people in remote regions. These experiences deepened my resolve to address the development gaps in the Karnali region.

With strong determination and relentless effort, I ventured into the construction industry, accumulating 16 years of experience. During this time, under agreements with the Government of Nepal, I have been involved in constructing hospitals, bridges, and roads in the Karnali Province. As a woman from a remote area, working in the complex field of construction, I have faced many challenges, which have been valuable learning experiences in my life.

In 2006, my role as Secretary of the Nepal Red Cross Society in Kalikot afforded me the opportunity to visit China. The remarkable progress and development I witnessed there left an indelible mark on me. Inspired by what I saw, I resolved to pursue similar advancements in the Karnali region, igniting the spark that led to the establishment of my construction company, Super Star Construction Services, in 2008.

My efforts have been recognized through various awards, including the prestigious National Women's Honor in 2018 and 2023 and the Asian Award in 2021. However, my greatest satisfaction lies in the positive impact these projects have had on the lives of people in the region.

Looking ahead, my focus remains on promoting quality and sustainable development in the construction industry. I believe in the pivotal role of women in nation-building and aspire to inspire more women to join the sector. Moreover, I am committed to addressing malpractices within the industry and fostering an environment conducive to growth and innovation.

I firmly believe that women can play a significant role in the development of the country. To achieve this, I advocate for government support to industrialists by minimizing political interference and facilitating development initiatives.

In the future, I aim to elevate my company to an A-grade status and undertake more impactful construction projects in Nepal.