KATHMANDU, MAY 8

The Media Advocacy Group (MAG), in collaboration with Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES), successfully organized a program titled "Integrating a Gender-Equal Perspective into Nepal's Geopolitical and Geo-Economic Discourse" in Kathmandu, bringing attention to the need for gender inclusion in national and international policy narratives.

Speaking at the event, Nepali Congress leader and former minister Dr. Minendra Rijal highlighted that the state has introduced various policies to ensure the equal participation of women.

Likewise, former minister Dr. Bimala Rai Paudyal emphasized the need for Nepal to undertake a series of efforts to incorporate a gender perspective into its geopolitical and geo-economic strategies. She noted that while she initiated some work on this front during her tenure as Foreign Minister, she was unable to complete it.

Former ambassador Sharmila Parajuli shared that she has consistently advocated for the nation's interests, both during and after her diplomatic service. Senior journalist Babita Basnet and Pratik Pradhan underscored the crucial role of media in framing Nepal's geopolitical and economic narratives through a gender lens.

Natalia Figge, Resident Representative of FES Nepal, stated that Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, a German foundation, is committed to the values of social democracy-solidarity, equality, and inclusive development. She noted that FES's work in Nepal includes promoting democratic dialogue, social justice, and gender equality. Figge stressed that gender equality, often viewed as a domestic or social issue, should also be integrated into international engagement, economic strategies, geopolitics, and public discourse. She emphasized that geopolitical and economic strategies are never neutral; they are shaped by power and, in turn, affect people's lives differently based on gender, economic status, ethnicity, and place of origin.

Niti Pandit, Vice President of the Federation of Nepali Journalists, remarked that since this is a relatively new topic, continuous dialogue is necessary. Bikash Rauniyar of the Media Advocacy Group emphasized the need for greater conceptual clarity to help the general public better understand issues of geopolitics and geo-economics.

The event brought together participants from media, academia, civil society, political parties, trade unions, and other sectors, reflecting broad interest in integrating a gender-equal perspective into Nepal's geopolitical and geo-economic discourse.