Our constitution has maintained no individual should be discriminated owing to his or her gender, caste, creed, colour and position. Despite this, there are circumstances wherein some members of our society are singled out, as the authority often cannot effectively execute the clauses that our constitution has consecrated. Women are the worst hit victims of gender-based violence and inequity. The savage and medieval practice of untouchability, trafficking, labour exploitation, sexual abuse, rape, accusation of witchcraft, acid attacks, murder and chhaupadi are still taking place. And our women folks, who form half of the country's entire population, have found themselves at the receiving end. The abuses, injustice and discriminations are the major reasons that barred Nepali women from achieving as much progress as their male counterparts have attained in society. One wonders how a society would bask in prosperity, happiness and peace if the half of its people remained backward owing to the perpetration of abuses against them.

However, after looking at the prevailing degree of intolerance and attack against women, the nation and governments stepped up various actions to improve the women's status. The Prime Minister has recounted the government's moves to lift up the Nepali women's stature. The PM however warned his government would not tolerate any form of gender-based violence and intolerance and appealed to every citizen and concerned body to be sensitive and proactive in protecting and promoting the rights of all victims of gender-based violence. In his 16-day Activism Against Gender-based Violence message to the nation, the PM urged the three-tier governments to move ahead with legal and institutional arrangements against such heinous acts.

We have a charter that not only guarantees equal rights to all women and men but also features an arrangement of having 33 per cent of women's representation in the parliament and all levels of policy-making bodies as well as government employment. It is reassuring to see that the women's participation in the political structure has reached 41 per cent at the local bodies, 34.5 per cent at the state level and 33.5 per cent at the federal level. Over 14,500 women were elected at various levels through three-tier elections in 2074 BS. The authority has provided assistance to the victims of gender-based violence and discrimination. The authority has carried out supportive efforts and separate campaigns to resolve existing gender-based inequality and injustice. To deal with these challenges, the National Gender Equality Policy has been drafted that will soon be passed by the Cabinet.

No one denies that efforts from the government are not adequate to defeat the level of injustices and inequality. Solidarity and collaboration from national and international organisations, civil society, politicians, campaigners, media persons, families and society are prerequisites to thwart the menace of violence and discrimination. Since no nation or society can prosper to its fullest unless all its members enjoy equal rights and freedom, our authority must formulate and enforce measures and make arrangements that ensure violence and prejudice have no room in our society that must exhibit solidarity and extend cooperation in accomplishing this goal. Only then can we be able to claim our society as an equal one.