KATHMANDU, FEBRUARY 25

The government has said that the National Gender Equality Policy made public in 2021 is being implemented effectively to institutionalise a gender responsive governance system in all levels of government.

This policy aims to reduce the existing gender gap through gender-responsive budget and establishment of equitable, prosperous, and just society. According to a report recently published by the Ministry of Children, Women and Senior Citizens, the policy approved by the Council of Ministers will enforce the provision of gender equality in line with the constitution. Article 38 of the constitution says that every woman shall have equal lineage right without gender-based discrimination.

Similarly, the constitution guarantees women's right to participate in all bodies of the state on the basis of the principle of proportional inclusion, and get opportunity in education, health, employment and social security.

The report said the policy would remove discriminatory barriers to socio-economic development of women, children and adolescent girls, end gender-based violence, adopt gender-responsive governance system, and achieve economic empowerment of women. 'It has also treated the chhaupadi system as gender-based violence as many menstruating women and girls are still prohibited from participating in normal family activities,' reads the report.

In order to carry out the objectives of this policy, the government will implement the fundamental rights of women and relevant laws in an effective manner, conduct social awareness programmes, develop gender-friendly family and society, and enforce the policy of zero-tolerance against gender-based violence, the report says.

Likewise, the policy requires the government to adopt gender-responsive strategies while making policies, plans and laws, empower women to ensure their access to all bodies of the state, increase the participation of women in income-generating activities, reduce business and social risk in economic activities of women, and ensure their equal representation at the decision-making levels.

'More women will be engaged in boosting the national economy by conducting a separate economic survey in a bid to realise their contribution to the prosperity of the nation. For this, specific skill development programmes will be conducted targeting women. Women entrepreneurship fund will be promoted and mobilised,' it reads.

A version of this article appears in the print on February 26, 2023, of The Himalayan Times.