Province 1 women's gathering call for equal pay

BIRATNAGAR: The Province 1 gathering of Women Forum Nepal — based on the slogan 'Prime basis of Federal Democratic Republic Nepal: Women's self right on body, labour and identity' — has concluded on Friday calling for the implementation of equal pay for equal work.

At a press meet organised here on Friday, gathering coordinator Manjeeta Upadhyay shared that the declaration incorporated several points such as women's decisive leadership practice with proportional and inclusive engagement, formulation of law for ending crime and harmful traditions, and realisation of household work as productive job.

Among other points featured in the declaration are arrangement of employment at local level, formulation of necessary laws and policies for the guarantee of sexual and reproductive health and rights, full implementation of citizens' basic rights, and representation of people with disabilities, Dalit, indigenous nationalities, Muslims, Madhesis, gender and sexual minorities, people with HIV, conflict and violence affected, single mothers and widows in every structure of the state.

Likewise, women's equal rights to citizenship certificate, assurance of the security of women human rights defenders, commitment for collaboration with women working in entertainment sector, special arrangements for vulnerable women, children, persons with disabilities and senior citizens, and identification of landless people and assurance of residence to them have also been included in the declaration.

The gathering, held from March 14 to 16, witnessed a massive participation of as many as 600 people comprising 60 women deputy mayors from metropolis, sub-metropolis and municipalities of 14 districts, elected women representatives and women rights defenders.

Prior to this, such gathering of women was held in Province 2 and 3, informed Sanjita Timilsina from Women Rights Network.