KATHMANDU, APRIL 13
UN Women, in partnership with the Media Advocacy Group, concluded the Media Compact Signing Ceremony in Kathmandu, marking a significant step toward promoting gender-responsive and inclusive media practices in Nepal, with a particular focus on women in politics.
Speaking at the ceremony, Patricia Fernández-Pacheco, Country Representative of UN Women Nepal, highlighted both progress and persistent gaps in gender equality in media and political representation. She said, "While progress is evident, significant gaps remain. Women hold only 26.5% of parliamentary seats and 22.8% of cabinet positions globally. At the current pace, achieving gender parity in politics could take decades. Media can be both part of the problem and the solution, as it shapes public perception."
Park Tae-Young, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Nepal,emphasised the influential role of media in shaping narratives. He said, "Media plays a powerful role in shaping public opinion. It has the ability to amplify voices, but also to reinforce stereotypes. According to the World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Report 2024/2025, Nepal ranks 111 out of 146 countries. Addressing these challenges requires a shift in how stories are told, with a stronger focus on gender-responsive reporting and inclusive language."
During the ceremony, leading media editors signed the Media Compact, including Guna Raj Luitel (Nagarik Daily), Koshraj Koirala (Republica), Hari Bahadur Thapa (Barakhari.com), Balkrishna Basnet (Annapurna Post), Rajan Pokhrel (The Himalayan Times), Ram Prasad Acharya (Gorkhapatra), Pranay Rana (Kalam Weekly), Sonia Awale (Nepali Times), Bimala Bhandari (Press Registrar, Gandaki Province), and Nawaraj Kuwar (Butwal Today Media Group).
The Media Compact was developed through a series of consultations among journalists, editors and publishers from Bagmati, Lumbini and Gandaki provinces. Through this initiative, media organisations have committed to promoting fair and balanced coverage of women politicians, ensuring equal representation in political and economic discourse, strengthening responsible reporting on online gender-based violence, adopting gender-sensitive journalism practices, addressing gender-biased misinformation, and promoting safe and responsible digital participation.
Prior to the signing ceremony, a panel discussion was held featuring Dr. Kumar Sharma Acharya (Chairperson, Press Council Nepal), Dr. Mahendra Bista (Executive President, Public Service Broadcasting), Renu Sijapati (General Secretary, Feminist Dalit Organization), and Ishika Panta (Founder, Project Abhaya).
During the discussion, Kumar Sharma Acharya said media content is regularly monitored and action is taken against content that violates the code of conduct. Mahendra Bista said the Media Compact would contribute to creating a more supportive newsroom environment and strengthening gender-responsive reporting, particularly in the electoral context.
Panelists Renu Sijapati and Ishika Panta underscored the importance of challenging entrenched stereotypes and promoting inclusive narratives.
The event also featured contributions from women political leaders, including Sita Gurung, Bidhya Bhattarai, Manushi Yami Bhattarai, Nisha Adhikari and Bidhya Shrestha, who shared their perspectives on media representation and challenges faced by women in politics.
Chhabindra Parajuli, Director General of the Department of Information and Broadcasting, described the media's commitment to gender equality as a positive and encouraging development.
During the programme, Anita Bindu, President of MAG, presented findings from MAG's media monitoring report covering the election period from nomination to results (January 15 to March 15, 2026). The report revealed that only 2.8% of election-related coverage in broadsheet newspapers focused on women, indicating a significant gap in representation.
While the quality of coverage has improved, the findings highlight the need for greater visibility of women, particularly on front pages, and stronger use of data-driven journalism. The report also noted an emerging trend of media increasingly questioning political parties, reflecting a positive shift toward accountability and more inclusive reporting practices.
The Media Compact represents a collective commitment by media stakeholders to strengthen gender equality in media content and practice, contributing to a more equitable and democratic information ecosystem in Nepal.