KATHMANDU, Dec 13: Minister for Foreign Affairs, Pradeep Gyawali has underscored the need for a comprehensive transformative revolution to address the issue of gender inequality and violence against women and girls in the country.

The minister made the remarks while addressing a virtual program organized by the Center for Innovative Governance Practices (CIGP) on Saturday to facilitate Bandana Rana on her resounding reelection to the UN Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). 

Stating that Nepal has made progressive formal provisions in ensuring gender equality; the foreign minister said that now the Nepali society needs a cultural transformation in doing away with the mindsets and behavior that look down upon women as second class citizens.

The foreign minister expressed hope that Rana's election to the UN rights body would increase Nepal's visibility and will be a cross-learning platform for the country.

Former ministers, members of parliament, former chief secretaries and high-ranking government officials, prominent rights activists among others took part in the virtual program. They congratulated Rana and wished her a successful 2nd term at CEDAW from 2021 to 2024. 

Sashi Shretha, chairperson of the State Affairs and Good Governance Committee of parliament, applauded Rana's role in taking Beijing's plan of Action forward in Nepal through advocacy. She also stressed that Rana's success should be emulated by the future generation as well. She also said that nepotism should be ended and people with aptitude should be recognized without any prejudice. 

Felicitated personality Rana said that she was overwhelmed by the respect and good words galore for her from prominent personalities. She expressed her commitment to work for the country and share Nepal's good practices in the area of gender equality across the globe.

Rana was elected for the first time in CEDAW from Nepal in 2016. Her first term ends this December. She was re-elected for a second four-year term on November 9. 

 
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