Kirtipur, June 19 :

A five-day training-cum-workshop on Gender Integration and Planning Process began here today.

The programme that aims to develop gender perspective of planning officers is organised jointly by the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Welfare, the Centre for Economic Development and Administration and the United Nations Fund for Population.

Twenty-five planning officers from 21 ministries and the National Planning Commission secretariat are participating in the programme.

“No development activities can proceed without participation of women who make half the national population,” said Urmila Aryal, State Minister for Women, Children and

Social Welfare. “However, it is not a surprise that women issues are often taken lightly in national planning,” she said.