Prince Harry addressing the inaugural session of Nepal Girl Summit-2016 at the Soaltee Hotel in Kathmandu on Wednesday said improved access to education can transform lives, families, communities and ultimately entire country. "When girls finish their schooling, they gain skills, knowledge and confidence. In short, they are empowered to improve their lives and the lives of everyone around them," he said at the function, which was inaugurated by President Bidya Devi Bhandari and participated by ministers, government officials and representatives from various organizations working in the field.He said this is a complex social challenge in Nepal but the government is tackling and is making progress in its hope of ending child marriage by 2030. It has fallen by 10 percent over the last decade and the practice is now banned by law. "Therefore the focus can now turn towards enforcement and education," he stressed.
He reminded that in Nepal, nearly half of all women who are today in their twenties, thirties and forties, were married before their eighteenth birthdays and that a little under half gave birth while still in their teens.
He said that female leadership in Nepal now sets a powerful example, with women occupying the roles of president and speaker. "But the biggest reason for our optimism are the inspiring girls and boys in this room who care so much about changing attitudes towards young women in this country," he added.
Applauding President Bhandari as a leader that championed the opportunities for women and girls in Nepal for many years, he said, "It is vitally important for men like me to acknowledge this as loudly and openly as role models do like President Bhandari, the US First Lady Michelle Obama and activists like Malala."
He said one can't unlock opportunities for young women and girls unless the mindset of every family and community is changed. "So let's be open about some of the challenges facing young women," he said.
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