KATHMANDU: Women rights activists today demanded that women be meaningfully represented in every organ of the state and that all discriminatory provisions against them be removed.

Laxmi Shrestha, programme coordinator, Women Security Pressure Group, said they are raising the voice of marginalised women and are seeking their meaningful representation in state organs. She added that the marginalised women are struggling for their identity and empowerment.

“We are demanding for providing 33 per cent reservation to women for their social, political and economic development,” said Shrestha.

Although there is representation of women as per quota, they are not given the responsibility, said the programme coordinator.

Amrita Adhikari, project coordinator of the pressure group in Surkhet said women are well aware of their rights and duties but said the social norms and values are preventing them from exercising those rights. She shared that the problem of domestic violence continues to persist.

Sudha Sharma, secretary, Ministry of Health and Population, said

the ministry is working to ensure health services

to all women living in remote areas.