KATHMANDU, March 17: Nepal had become a state party to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) in 2048 BS. But, lawmakers expressed concerns over the non-implementation of the convention.

During a program organized by the Forum for Women, Law and Development on Nepal's agenda in the UN CEDAW committee, Chairperson of the Legislation Management Committee of the National Assembly, Jayanti Rai, said the country is still in a situation in which women themselves need to wage struggles to secure equal rights and dignity. Non-implementation of laws and convention is a serious problem, she added.

Lawmaker Kamala Pant viewed it has been difficult to ensure equal rights as the oppressors are powerful or close to power while victims the helpless ones.

Another lawmaker Bishnu Devi Pudasaini said that although men and women were provided equal rights of citizenship in the constitution, the implementation status is bleak.

Executive Director at FWLD, advocate Sabin Shrestha, reminded that although Nepal had become a state party to the UN CEDAW without showing any reservation three decades back, its non-implementation is a severe blight to the nation.

Immediately after the restoration of democracy in 2046 BS, the interim government led by Krishna Prasad Bhattarai had been party to the CEDAW.

Neighbours India, Pakistan and Bangladesh had however endorsed the convention showing objection to Article 16.

 
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