Pushpanjali Khanal proves that it's not just a man's world. Without even trying to be a symbol for the sisterhood, this 34-year-old is the only female engineer at the Department of Roads (DOR). There are about 200 female engineers in Nepal, but most hold desk jobs, draft designs or are academics. Pushpanjali, however, chose to work in mainstream engineering. "Women tend to think that this is man's work and it's tough being a real engineer at construction sites in remote areas, but this is what I enjoy most," she says.

A decade ago when she joined DOR as one of its youngest engineers, Pushpanjali recalls receiving utmost respect for her professionalism from male colleagues. Pushpanjali didn't have to battle a glass ceiling-there wasn't one.

Her suggestions and ideas were encouraged and accepted by her male colleagues and senior officers. Five years ago she bested her male peers to win a scholarship for a master's degree from the University of Surrey in England. Pushpanjali's next aim is a PhD, which will make her one of the highest qualified engineers in Nepal.

"It's sad that there isn't enough encouragement for engineers in the country," says Pushpanjali, lamenting a tight job market. She is undoubtedly the most famous daughter of her village of Gaikhur in Gorkha. She was the only girl to pass the SLC while most of her friends dropped out of school in grade five. When she moved to Kathmandu and joined Pulchok Engineering Campus, there were only two girl students. After graduation, when her friend chose to become a lecturer, Pushpanjali decided to become an engineer. Pushpanjali hasn't been home to Gaikhur in five years, and plans to visit soon.

Says Pushpanjali: "As long as you can prove yourself, work hard and not show your weakness, no one can ever look down on you as a woman." (Naresh Newar)