During the meeting, Shafik heard about women´s role in the constitution-writing process and the challenges they faced in a traditionally male-dominated society. The CA members hoped to make the most of their numbers in the CA (33% of the total seats) by ensuring greater equality for women, including in access to state resources such as education and healthcare, the DFID in Kathmandu said.
Shafik reiterated DFID´s willingness to continue to contribute to making the voice of women and other marginalised groups heard, such as by sharing international experience of women´s role in parliament.
The British Government contributed £2.15m towards the setting-up of the CCD which is a resource and research centre supporting the drafting of Nepal´s new constitution and the ongoing peace process.
During the rest of her program in Nepal, Shafik met with government secretaries, Finance Minister, Foreign Minister, and other donors, as well as DFID staff. She also visited a health project and a jobs and skills project, both supported by DFID.
DFID, a ministry of the British Government, is the largest bilateral donor in Nepal, with support of £172m from 2009-2012.
Related story
UK provides £802,000 grant to strengthen Nepal's response to CO...
