Conference on gender justice concludes

By TRN Online, Kathmandu, Feb 13: The two-day conference on gender justice and transforming masculinities concluded here today.

During the conference views and ideas were shared by the individuals, researchers, and practitioners dedicated to fostering gender equity and reimagining masculinities for a more just and inclusive society.

The conference was featured interactive sessions that explore gender justice, transformative approaches to masculinity, and collective action toward meaningful change.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Rita Dhungel, a researcher on persons living with HIV, said that the exchange of views, insights and finding from different studies will enhance understanding about the achievement and challenges with regard to the human trafficking and women's empowerment.

In the panel discussion held today, Yubanath Lamsal, senior journalist and former ambassador to Denmark, Manju Khatiwada of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Mira Kunwar, a social activist and a person living with HIV, and Sajog Thakuri, representative from Hami Dajuvai, an NGO working on men's awareness for women empowerment, shed light on Nepali society and gender justice.

Former ambassador Lamsal made it a point that media should prioritise disseminating news related to women empowerment as media shapes mindset which in turn gets translated into behavior.

NHRC officer Khatiwada said that the constitutional body has been focused on safeguarding human rights that also include women's rights and that it has made various recommendation to the government for women empowerment.

Social activist Kunwar viewed that society was still negative to survival of human trafficking and persons living with HIV which only exasperates the victims' trauma.

Sajog Thakuri of Hami Dajuvai made it a point that men should be made aware of women's rights because it is difficult for women to enjoy their rights without men's cooperation.  "A research has found out that men of 19-25 age group were engaged in sexual violence against women. This means, we should also focus on such groups when we conduct sensitizing and awareness creating programmes on gender justice, women rights and empowerment."

Dr Pralahad Karki, director of Kantipur City College, announced that the KCC will form a club of students to discuss gender justice so that students learn the issue and spread it into the society.