Apropos of the news story “Women in entertainment sector face harassment” (THT, May 7, Page 2), each and every profession comes with an occupational hazard and, unfortunately, the entertainment sector in Nepal is not an exception. On the contrary it is one of the most vulnerable. As the working women’s population increases with the continuous surge in their migration to urban areas, the government must put proper rules and code of conduct for all stakeholders including revelers to follow.

It is the government alone which must be fully responsible for the safety and welfare of women workers in entertainment industry. If the government is serious and concerned, it should not be too difficult to ensure safety and dignity of the women in this sector. It can come up with comprehensive do’s and don’ts for the entertainment sector and their customers for the safety and dignity of women. As the entertainment industry is the last stop in the welfare of women, the government can make it fully accountable. The revelers too can be made accountable for their act of misdemeanors even if done under drunken stupor. Perhaps the government can force the entertainment sector to put up tough notices like ‘Don’t touch. You touch you go’ in their premises as they do in the pole dance bars in Sydney. In the Bombay dance bars, the supervisors would soothe the frayed nerves of the overexcited customers and if they don’t behave they will ask the bouncers to eject the revelers by force. These should protect the women workers from sexual harassment on the job.

Manohar Shrestha, Kathmandu

Women’s role

In the upcoming local level election a significant number of women are fraying for the elections never seen ever before. They are fraying for mayoral to ward members in metropolitan cities to rural municipalities which is very exciting and interesting. It all became possible due to the legal provision which requires that a certain number of women should be fielded in the election so that their representation can be ensured. Women are seen engaged in productive sectors – agriculture or industrial – but their presentations in politics is very low. From now onward, even women can also contribute to policy making decision as they will also be elected as people’s representatives. This will certainly help make our society more inclusive and participatory. Not only women but even Dalits and marginalized communities will also have their fair share in political issues which will ultimately lead to inclusive society, not seen ever before. But women, Dalits and marginalized communities must be trained on development projects that benefit them in educational, health and productive sectors, the three areas where women are still lagging behind their male counterparts.

Saroj Wagle, Bara