President Paudel: Change must start at family level

Kathmandu: President Ramchandra Paudel has said change in customs and thought must begin from the family itself to establish equality and justice by implementing the rights of the oppressed, women and others gained through a long struggle.

Addressing in program organized by the Ministry of Women, Children and Senior Citizens on the occasion of the 114th International Women’s Day on Friday,  President Paudel said ‘Constitution is exemplary for the inclusion of the oppressed, women and Dalits but to put it into practice we have to change our practice and mentality starting from the family. Without equal and meaningful participation of women, who make up more than half of the population, it is impossible to fulfill the national aspirations of economic empowerment and prosperity.’

He further added ‘Continuous cooperation from all sectors is essential in realizing the long-term vision of building a nation with gender equality through increased investment for women’s development and advancement.’ He even said that the goal of building a prosperous nation cannot be reached until there is a fundamental change in the living standards of women and appealed to all parties to implement women’s rights envisaged as fundamental rights in the Constitution.

Likewise, President Paudel suggested that state has been making huge investments in various policies and programs to improve the socio-economic conditions of women there are complaints that women are not aware of such policies and programs, and the benefits provided by the state. He even said that it is  necessary to convey information about this to women in remote areas to make proper use of the state’s investment.

Similarly, Minister of Women, Children and Senior Citizens Bhagwati Chaudhary said that the provision of 33 percent reservation for women in state bodies should be implemented effectively and women should be developed in leadership, financial, skill, and competence from the local level. Chairperson of the Parliamentary Women, Children, and Social Committee, Kiran Kumar Shah also emphasized that the legal provision to ensure 33 percent of women in every body of the state should be strictly followed in the cabinet, political parties, and other places as well.

Chairperson of the National Women’s Commission, Kamala Kumari Parajuli, said that the government at all levels should pay attention to women’s health, education, and employment. National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Commissioner Lily Thapa said that the history of Nepal should record the contributions made by women, for which the Ministry of Women should take the lead.

RSS