Massive public awareness must to end VAW: Minister Acharya

Kathmandu, Dec 8: Minister for Women, Children and Senior Citizen, Surendra Raj Acharya, has pointed out the need of expanding awareness programmes across the country in order to eliminate cases of violence against women.     

At a discussion on 'Mental Health and Violence against Women', Minister Acharya laid emphasis that it was necessary to massively launch public awareness to wipe out VAW cases and make aware the women of all sectors about their rights.     

The programme was organised jointly by Sancharika Samuha and the Koshish Nepal on the occasion of 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence on Friday. "Although the constitution of Nepal has imagined building an equitable society on the basis of proportional, inclusive and participatory principles, it has not been implemented. Incidents of Gender-based Violence are still taking place", he expressed worry.     

Minister Acharya mentioned that all types of aberrations including VAW taking place in the society should be ended to ensure equality and equity as envisioned by the constitution. He further laid emphasis on effective implementation of legal and constitutional provisions.     

Participation of men in the 16 Days of Activism against GBV could be helpful to foster collaboration and cooperation for the empowerment of women.     

On the occasion, Chairperson of Samcharika Samuha, Bimala Tumkhewa, said women's participation in decision-making level of media is necessary.     

Likewise, Executive Director of Koshish Nepal, Matrika Devkota, mentioned that the organisation had been playing significant role to prevent the development of serious psychosocial problems on victims of VAW. (RSS)