Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, July 13:

Speakers at a talk programme on gender equality and empowerment, which was organised in the Capital today, said equal opportunities should be provided to women to pave the way for sustainable development of the country.

Dr Bishnu Pandit, director, Department of Health, said the government and the society should work in tandem to put an end to gender discrimination. Stating that the implementation of gender-related laws and policies is a challenge, he conceded, “We have failed to solve gender-related issues.”

Stating that women do not raise voices against domestic violence, Dr Peeyoosh Kumar Rajendra, director, family health division at the Ministry of Health, said, “This tendency has encouraged gender discrimination.” The Thapathali Maternity Hospital is planning to establish a separate department to address such issues, he said, adding: “Dissemination of information about women’s rights will help change the attitudes and mindset of the people.”

Early marriage and illiteracy are responsible for the worsening condition of women in Nepal, said Junko Sazaki, country representative, UNFPA. Stating that reproductive health should be taught from the school level, Sazaki said women should be given chances to be self-dependent.