Stating that achieving the Planet 50-50 agenda by 2030 for sustainable development is government's major priority, government representatives said they are dedicated to achieve the gender goals by implementing various National Action Plans including Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).Addressing the 60th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) at UN headquarters in New York, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Women, Children and Social Welfare Chandra Prakash Mainali said that Nepal has been focusing its development plans, policies and programs to address poverty, unemployment, injustice, inequality and discrimination through an inclusive and participatory approach to development.
Lauding the constitutional provisions for gender equality in Nepal, DPM Mainali further said, "Despite the tremendous progress in gender equality and women's empowerment, the government realizes that significant challenges still remain, particularly in the aftermath of the April 25 earthquake."
He even said that the international community should focus on the realization of gender equality and empowerment of women with a strong political will if we are to achieve the Planet 50-50 agenda by 2030.
A 15-member government delegation attended the 60th session of the CSW this year. Discussions are being held on the themes of 'Women's empowerment and its link to sustainable development' and 'The elimination and prevention of all forms of violence against women and girls'.
Implementation of gender responsive budget since 2007, which has now reached 22 percent of the national budget, establishment of a 'Male Leaders Network' and supporting the 'HeforShe Campaign' are some of the remarkable efforts of the government for gender equality and women's empowerment.
This year marks the 21st anniversary since the adoption of the Platform for Action, endorsed by 189 countries, in 1995 during the United Nation's Fourth World Conference. The Platform for Action included 12 critical areas of working such as violence against women, women and environment, women in power and decision-making, the girl child, women and economy, human rights of women, women and armed conflict, and women and media among others.
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