KATHMANDU, May 30: Prime Minister Balen Shah has said the government remains committed to translating women’s rights, gender equality, and women’s empowerment into practical action.
In a message on the occasion of the Eighth National Women’s Rights Day, Shah noted that Nepal’s Constitution guarantees women’s rights as fundamental rights and ensures proportional and inclusive representation, as well as meaningful participation of women, across all state institutions.
The Prime Minister stressed the need to strengthen social awareness alongside legal measures to eliminate harmful practices such as child marriage, witchcraft accusations, chhaupadi, dowry and tilak customs, as well as gender-based, domestic, and digital violence. He emphasized that protecting and promoting women’s rights requires active collaboration among the state, communities, and all concerned stakeholders.
Gender, Economic Activity & Equality
Highlighting the importance of empowering women who remain socially, economically, and educationally disadvantaged, Shah said building a self-reliant and prosperous society depends on their inclusion and advancement. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ending all forms of violence, exploitation, and discrimination against women.
Minister for Women, Children, Gender and Sexual Minorities, and Social Security Sita Badi also underscored the need for cooperation among the government, communities, and civil society to safeguard women’s rights, advance gender equality, and drive social transformation.
She said the rights guaranteed by the Constitution can only be fully realized through the commitment and active participation of all stakeholders. Badi added that women’s rights go beyond legal provisions and policy announcements, encompassing social attitudes, equal access to opportunities, and dignified participation in all spheres of life.
This year, National Women’s Rights Day is being observed under the slogan "Respect for Women’s Rights: A Campaign for Self-Reliance and Prosperity.”
