Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari on Thursday said that the provision of participation of one-third of women in state agencies, although important, was not an absolute achievement.

Speaking at the fourth edition of 'Nirvik Nari,' organised by the Kantipur Media Group, Bhandari stated that women’s representation in government bodies was a result of a systemic change.

However, the former President claimed that the achievement attained so far in terms of women’s representation and participation in decision-making agencies was not enough and that more needed to be done to achieve proportional representation.

“A one-third participation is not an absolute achievement for women, who make up half of a society,” Bhandari said. “Therefore, we must strive for proportional representation while also safeguarding the opportunities we have already ensured.”

The chief guest of the event also stated that it was necessary for men and women to share the responsibility as well.

Bhandari, the first woman President of the country, also stated that an equal and active participation of both men and women was necessary to eradicate gender disparity.

Women empowerment, representation and participation are seen as key means of achieving gender equality to create an environment in which rights, as well as responsibilities towards family, society and the nation, are equal for both men and women, Bhandari said.

“I would like to emphasise that both men and women must play an active role in achieving gender equality since it is a topic of common concern for both,” the former President said.

She underscored that there was a necessity for both genders to have a common belief and understanding for effective implementation of the constitutional and legal provisions for gender equality.

“Therefore, awareness and empowerment campaigns for women’s rights and gender equality should be targeted towards both men and women.”