Government has policy of women empowerment and capacity development: PM Dahal

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has reiterated that the government has the policy of empowering women and their capacity building. Addressing a programme organised by the Ministry of Women, Children and Senior Citizens marking the 113th International Women’s Day today, he said the State would accord priority to women empowerment and capacity development.

PM Dahal said there has been an improvement in the status of women in terms of their reproductive health, education and other aspects, and that the government would facilitate in promoting women-friendly information technology, create safe environment for women who are working in foreign countries and helping them in case of any problems. “The constitution and laws have made significant and historical provisions for women’s rights. Women are in the leadership position from the local level to the Head-of-State. The country is moving ahead in achieving equal political, social and economic rights for women,” said PM Dahal.

Noting that the constitution has enshrined women’s rights as the fundamental rights, he said the policy, legal and institutional structures have been improving. He recalled that the women’s overwhelming participation in the People’s Movement proved their capacity and political awareness. Minister for Communication and Information Technology Rekha Sharma said the International Women’s Day has been celebrated as a symbol of solidarity, struggle and victory, and that the State has been making maximum efforts for enabling the women to lead a dignified life. She opined that although the constitution and the laws ensured women’s right to parental property, there is a challenge to transforming that into full practice.

The Communication and Information Technology Minister said women have not been able to use the information technology in the right manner despite its rapid development in recent years. She stressed on making the technology women-friendly. National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Chairperson Tapa Bahadur Magar said the NHRC has carried out a multi-sector study on women rights and it has been receiving complaints on violence against women, monitoring women’s rights and recommending to the government for action on the perpetrators. National Women Commission member Bidya Kumari Sinha said the Commission is active in protecting the rights and interests of women.

Expert member at the Ministry Sabin Shrestha on the occasion presented a working paper entitled ‘Journey of Gender Equality in Nepal’. The working paper states that women participation in foreign service, judicial service and security bodies has been increasing over the years in Nepal. The Shakti Group presented a dance carrying the message that women can work and are capable in every sector. The 113th International Women’s Day (March 8) is being celebrated around the world on Wednesday with the slogan ‘DigitALL: Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality’.