KATHMANDU: President Dr Ram Baran Yadav today singled out illetrary as a prime culprit in keeping Nepalese women unaware of their rights and obligations in society.

Addressing a programme organised in the capital by Saathi to review Beijing plus 15, he underlined the importance of education in ameliorating women's conditions in society. "Many women in the rural areas are functionally illiterate and are unaware of their fundamental rights and responsibilities," he said.

"Beijing plus 15, as a platform for putting forth women's voice, has pushed the government to take woman issues seriously," he added. He reiterated the need for inclusive policies and assured that there would not be any discriminatory legal provision against women in the new constitution.

"The country has turned republic because the people wanted so," Yadav remarked. He, however, called on the people to fulfill other responsibilities too. “Institutionalisation of the republican system remains a key challenge," he added. Speaking on the same occasion, Sharba Dev Prasad Ojha, Minister for Women, Children and Social Welfare, informed that the amendment of the discriminatory acts and provisions against women were in the pipeline. "A task force has been formed to celebrate 2010 as women year," he added.

On the occasion, Saathi felicitated former Foreign Minister Sahana Pradhan and Dr Shanta Thapaliya for their contribution to women's cause.

Sapana Pradhan Malla, Constituent Assembly (CA) member, assured of her unflinching support to women in their fight for dignity and rights, through the CA.