Kathmandu, July 21 Participants of a programme in Kathmandu today stressed the need for empowering women and protecting their rights. The day-long programme was organised by Shantimalika, a network of 18 organisations working for women empowerment. Speaking at the programme, KMC Deputy Mayor Hari Prabha Khadgi said the delay in holding local level elections for two decades had deprived many women of leadership opportunities. She also called on all women to step forward and exercise their rights as provisioned in the constitution. Shantimalika treasurer Meera Dhungana, also an advocate, dwelt on constitutional provisions regarding women and their representation in state mechanisms and said there were still some hurdles in ensuring proportional representation of women in state affairs. Secretary at the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Welfare Khagraj Baral stressed the need to change people’s mindset to create society where women are equally valued and treated. Stating that the state has provided certain privileges to women, Baral called on local representatives to inform all women about those provisions and make the best use of them. Working papers on three different topics, including an analysis on provisions related to women in the constitution and superstition-based violence against women, were also presented and discussed at the programme.