Cabinet needs more women members: Foreign Minister Rana

Kathmandu, July 25: At a time when the parliament meetings were resonated with the demand of increase in number of women members in Cabinet, Foreign Minister Dr Arzu Rana Deuba has voiced alike.     

 Minister Dr Deuba said it during a discussion organized on report of the UN CEDAW Committee on Thursday.     

She also reminded that discussion was going on to ensure competition among women even by amending the constitution that does not hurt the spirit of the national charter.     

"Recent Cabinet meeting has decided to compulsorily include woman member for a visit as foreign delegation. Happy to share that government has appointed woman as Chief Secretary," she said, vowing fulfillment of 21 points to be presented in the CEDAW.     

The Chairperson of Women and Social Committee under the House of Representatives, Kiran Kumar Sah, said only two women were made ministers because there was no reservation for women in Council of Ministers. It needs attention, Sah stressed.     

On the occasion, Chair of National Women Commission, Kamala Kumari Parajuli, shared that the programme was organized to help make CEDAW periodic report more effective.     

Newly appointed Chief Secretary Leela Devi Gadtaula, however, said that women issues were being forwarded with proper attention from the Cabinet lately. She reminded that although she was on 8th position in terms of seniority, she was made the Chief Secretary. Similar case was practiced when Leela Mani Paudyal became the Chief Secretary.     

The Chief Secretary was felicitated by Foreign Minister at the programme. (RSS)