Each award corresponded with the name of a goddess: Nanda Devi Kunwar from Kailali was given the Annapurna Award, for her work in forest conservation, specifically her efforts in preventing encroachment and advocating forest management in the Madhumalati Community Forest. Bandana Danuwar, manager at the community radio station, received the Bhagawati title for her work in broadcasting women's stories and issues. Ritu Gyamdan was awarded the title of Bhawani for her endeavours in extreme sports, while the Makwanpur Mahila Samuha was given the Durga Award, for their work in protesting violence against women, female trafficking as well as sensitising society regarding HIV/AIDS.

Other awardees comprised of Meena Kharel from Chitwan. who won the Karuna prize for her efforts to ensure justice for women through the Women Development Centre in Chitwan; Kalpana Karki, who received the Laxmi award for her work as a nurse, and an advocate of women's rights to land and property, among other areas; Laxmi Bhushal, who was given the Mahamaya prize for her ventures in agriculture and theatre; Keshari Thapa, who earned the Saraswati title for her dedication to providing educational opportunities to the blind; and Parbati Dagora, recipient of the Shakti prize for her resilience in the face of hardship.

The awardees received Rs 20,000 each at the programme, which also gave out a special citation award to Sati (name changed) from Kailali, who was raped at the age of 13, and whose determination to see justice done helped land the rapist in prison. The event also included live musical and dance performances, of which the rendition of Bhaagera Kahan Ho Jane Ta by children from J House, K House and MSPN—some of whom are HIV positive—proved very moving.

“This function demonstrates how we women possess the qualities of these goddesses, and how important it is that we not underestimate our own strength,” said Shrijana Singh Yonjan, coordinator of the CWNA. “It's encouraging to see Nepali women are increasingly playing leadership roles and front-lining positive changes in different sectors in the country.”