Minister Sudi acknowledges gaps in rights for sexual and gender minorities

Kathmandu: Minister for Women, Children and Senior Citizens, Nawal Kishor Shah Sudi, has said the government has been actively working for the cause of marginalised backwards communities, including women.

In his address to a programme organised by the Mitini Nepal on Wednesday, on the occasion of the Lesbian Visibility Day-2025, Minister Sudi said the dedicated budget allocations have been ensured for the development and empowerment of gender and sexual minorities.

Despite the commencement of the movement for the rights of sexual and gender minorities two decades ago, the issues of the community who also include lesbian, transgender and queer women are yet to be addressed proportionately.

On the occasion, he launched the book entitled ‘ Jeevan Pariwartanko Andhi’, which literally in English means ‘ the Squall of Life Change’, published by Mitini Nepal. It features 19 inspiring stories from the women’s community within the sexual and gender minorities.

Minister Sudi further stated that the issues of sexual and gender minorities have been missing in the feminist movements. Women from sexual and gender minorities continue to face stigma, discrimination, insult, threat and abuse, and these have been reasons preventing them from breaking the silence.

According to Minister Sudi, who reminded of the Constitutional rights, especially those guaranteed under Article 38. April 26 is observed as Lesbian Visibility Day. Mitini Nepal’s founder Laxmi Ghalan said lesbian within the women community face additional challenges and discriminations while organisation executive director Sarita KC demanded the State ensure rights for lesbian, bisexual, and queer women at par with other citizens.

RSS