Beijing +30 National Women's Conference concludes with 17-point Kathmandu declaration

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Aug. 17: The Beijing +30 National Women's Conference organised by Beyond Beijing Committee (BBC) Nepal has concluded with the release of the 17-point Kathmandu Declaration.

BBC Nepal organised the conference on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (BDPA) issued by the Fourth World Conference on Women in 1995.

Addressing the programme Minister for Women, Children and Senior Citizens, Nawal Kishor Sah Sudi said that although many programmes are brought for the welfare of women, there is still more to do. He said that challenges like violence against women, discrimination and unequal access to resources persist and solving these problems requires the cooperation and commitment of everyone. 

"The government is committed to making efforts to address the issues of women and the government is also sensitive to the implementation of the existing arrangements for women," said Minister Sudi.

In the conference, Minister for Education, Science and Technology Vidya Bhattarai emphasised that education is the only weapon to combat discrimination against women. Minister Bhattrai stressed making our curriculum gender-friendly and increasing investment in education. 

Krishna Kumari Waiba, Chairperson of the BBC Nepal said that although the government of Nepal has been creating and implementing various policies and laws in line with the mission of the Beijing Declaration, the proportional inclusive participation and representation of women of all ages in every sector has not been ensured.

The conference was held at the Nepal Administrative Training Institute in Jawalakhel, Lalitpur. At the conference, separate workshops were conducted on 14 topics including education, health, economics, climate and the status of women.

The Kathmandu Declaration will be used as an advocacy document across all levels of government in Nepal. The report will be finally presented to the United Nations' 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women.