Kathmandu, November 23

The National Women Commission Act recently passed by the Parliament has given more teeth to the NWC to protect the rights and interests of women.

As per the law, any woman, who is subjected to violence and is deprived of her rights, may lodge a verbal or written complaint with the commission in person or through an organisation or attorney seeking action against the perpetrators. No fee shall be charged while registering such complaints.

“On receipt of the complaint, the National Women Commission shall launch an investigation and write to the concerned authorities or agencies to initiate action against the perpetrators if the woman is found to have been subjected to violence or denied rights or made a victim of superstition,” it states.

The commission may also make efforts to reconcile the victims and perpetrators if both the parties file an application for the purpose.

“But if the case draws the Government of Nepal as a plaintiff, the parties shall not be reconciled and the case shall be dealt with as per the existing laws,” the new law states. The act ensures the protection and promotion of rights and interests of women.

The law also empowers the commission to formulate national policy and programme concerning the rights and interests of women and present it before the government of Nepal for execution, increase awareness of the people against discrimination and bad customs and analyse the policy and programme concerning different ministries in terms of gender justice.

The commission shall make arrangements to provide essential legal assistance and other support to women who is helpless, victimised or deprived of rights as per the law.