National Women’s Commission (NWC) organised a meeting with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) working for women, to discuss the draft of the Bill that will authorise the Commission to work as an autonomous body here on Thursday.

“The draft still has its flaws and limitations. Hence, we have been organising these interaction programmes with various parties to come up with a Bill that is agreeable to all,” said Durga Pokharel, president of NWC.

The Commission can suggest or recommend changes in policies to grant the women equal rights. While, any changes to be made in the policies dealing with women will have to be consulted with NWC. Also, NWC has to be consulted when bills to do with women are to be discussed in the parliament.

The participants in the interaction programme suggested a provision to be included in the bill that will entitle the commission not only to recommend and advise, but also pressurise the respective parties, if the suggestion are not agreed to.

The Bill can stand on the behalf of women victims of violation of exploitation and file a case against the perpetrators. It also authorises the commission to investigate into cases of violations of rights or exploitation with the permission from the court to visit the sites of incident, gather information and further the investigation.

NWC can work for women in police custody, rehabilitation and jails and plea for their rights if they are not receiving the support they are entitled to.

“Communication plays a vital role in empowerment of any kind,” said Rinchen Yonzon, landscape designer. “Thus, it is crucial to develop a documentation and dissemination process based on best practices.”

Other participants stressed on the need for wider representation and measures to be taken as to make the Commission accessible to women all over the country. Some participants also said the Commission should work towards the much disputed issue of giving women their fair share of property.