Kathmandu, October 23

Minister of Women, Children and Senior Citizens Tham Maya Thapa Magar today said harmful traditional practices and religious superstitions were the main reasons for increasing cases of violence against women in the country.

Speaking at a review meeting held to present the sixth periodic report of Nepal on the Convention on Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women in Geneva, Minister Thapa Magar said that the Government of Nepal was committed to implementing rights of women.

Minister Thapa Magar shared that the government was putting in all efforts to end violence against women and to ensure equality and inclusiveness.  “The constitution of Nepal has prioritised women in health, education and communication sectors. The government provides financial support to women to encourage them to get involved in various economic activities,” she said.

At the conference, she also informed that 41 per cent of women were elected in the three levels of elections held in the country last year.

She also said 26 per cent of women in the country had land in their name, 50 per cent women were involved in cooperatives.

“The government has also formulated law regarding workplace violence, violence at public places and domestic violence,” she said.