KATHMANDU, Aug 15: The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, 1995 (Beijing Platform for Action) is observed as a global agenda for ensuring improvement in the human rights situation for women and girls. With the Beijing Conference observing its 25th anniversary in 2020, Nepal plans to present periodic reports, shedding light on the attempts and achievements of ensuring gender equality in the country.

In order to review the country's progress and seek solutions to the challenges of gender rights and equality, a consultation event was organized in the capital by Saathi, an NGO working on gender issues, on Wednesday. The event called for a collaboration among the government, civil society organizations, UN agencies and other stakeholders to prepare a consolidated report to exhibit a fair representation of the country's positive achievements on gender equality.

Vice-chair of UN CEDAW Committee Bandana Rana emphasized strengthening the mechanism for gender equality. She further acknowledged the country's noteworthy attempts for ensuring gender rights and equality and setting inspiration for the global context. “We may now require a consolidated document for the representatives of civil society and gender-based organizations in order to generate mutual understanding while discussing national state of gender equality at international platform,” said Rana.

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Pradeep Kumar Gyawali stressed increasing the representation of women at decision making positions with the government and other stakeholders working hand-in-hand. He highlighted the need for women to be economically self-reliant in order to own the choice to be independent.

Country representative for UN WOMEN, Wenny Kusuma stated that acknowledging gender gap is to asking ourselves of our accountability, questioning women's participation and understanding the reason to encourage their representation. “Women's issues are not the concern of a single group. Social inclusion and the role of civil society is the key when we discuss these issues,” said Kusuma.

Nepal's previous periodic reports and performances are subject to appraisal at international discussions. However, there is always a challenge to overcome hurdles and mitigate gender gaps especially after the country exploring social, political, economic strata with it entering federalism.

Koshal Chandra Subedi, joint secretary at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers (OPMCM) ensured that the 15th work plan of the government is looking forward to ensuring 50 percent participation of women within the next five years. “The consolidated report shall complement our mutual efforts and set additional bench mark in global platform,” added Subedi.

 
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