Women’s role critical for social advancement: Prez

The Ministry of Women, Children and Social Welfare organised a programme in Kathmandu on Wednesday to mark the 107th International Women’s Day. Women’s role critical for social advancement: Prez

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Published at : March 9, 2017

Updated at : March 9, 2017 09:05

Kathmandu

The Ministry of Women, Children and Social Welfare organised a programme in Kathmandu on Wednesday to mark the 107th International Women’s Day.

The programme was attended by a host of women leaders, including President Bidya Devi Bhandari, who spoke on the theme, “Skilful Hands and Employment: Foundation to Respect Women”.

President Bhandari emphasised the critical role of women in advancement of society and how women’s participation could transform the socio-economic, political and cultural landscapes to build a better nation. She said that every country and government should strive towards ensuring gender equality and women’s rights if they want to create a just and progressive society.

The President also highlighted the significance of local level elections to promote and create competent women leaders who could drive the society towards development.

Had the local elections taken place in the last two decades, surely there would have been several women leaders in various fields by now, she said.

The President also spoke about the President’s Women Upliftment Programme that aims to bring women to the forefront of social, economic and political development activities.

Entrepreneur Ambica Shrestha said appreciating the works of women as housewives, providing them account management trainings and increasing their access to capital and market were fundamental approaches that stakeholders should take to empower women.

Bishnu Prasad Lamsal, secretary at the ministry, said regardless of strong provisions in the constitution, there were numerous cases of sexual exploitations, harassments, deep-rooted traditional values, superstitions and patriarchy that were still keeping women in shackles.

Various talks programmes, rallies and exhibitions were also held in Kathmandu and other parts of the country on the occasion of the International Women’s Day.

Women police personnel participate in a rally to call for gender equality and end to violence against women in Kathmandu.

Women bus conductors for the transportation company, Mahanagar Yatayat, pose for a photo with social activist and the founder of Maiti Nepal, Anuradha Koirala (5th from left), after they were felicitated by the organisation for their outstanding performance.