Work Towards Empowering Women

The 115th International Women’s Day (IWD) was observed on March 8 with a myriad of activities in Nepal and the world, calling for ensuring rights to women, gender parity and empowerment. This important global event marks the accomplishments made by women in social, economic, cultural, and political spheres. The main theme for this year’s IWD is ‘For all women and girls: Rights, equality and empowerment’. The theme is relevant in the present context because women throughout the globe are still grappling with different problems. There is no denying that the persisting systemic barriers and biases are hindering women’s overall development. The situation of women in many underdeveloped countries and regions appears miserable even today. 

Reforms

However, Nepal has witnessed gradual improvements in the overall status of women since the restoration of multiparty democracy in 1990. The subsequent reforms in policies and laws have contributed significantly to the welfare of women. The People’s Movement II (April 2006) was also instrumental in the protection of women’s rights. The present constitution has recognised women’s rights as fundamental rights. The national charter reads: “Every woman shall have equal lineage right without gender-based discrimination. Every woman shall have the right to safe motherhood and reproductive health. No woman shall be subjected to physical, mental, sexual, psychological, or other form of violence or exploitation on grounds of religion, social, cultural tradition, practice or on any other grounds. Women shall have the right to participate in all bodies of the State based on the principle of proportional inclusion. Women shall have the right to obtain special opportunity in education, health, employment and social security based on positive discrimination.”

No doubt, after the People’s Movement II, women’s representation in politics has increased considerably, thanks to the constitutional provisions. The statute guarantees 33 per cent representation of women in federal and provincial legislatures and 40 per cent in local governments. As the country has adopted the principle of proportional representation, the participation of women in political and administrative organs of the State has been ensured. At present, the federal parliament has 34 per cent women representatives. Their presentation in provincial legislatures and local governments stands at 36.5 per cent and 41.1 per cent, respectively. The provision of reservation for women in the civil service has become quite encouraging for them. The civil service now has about 28 per cent women employees. More women and young girls join the civil service every year. 

In line with the constitutional provisions, numerous laws are now in place aiming at helping reduce gender inequality and empowering women and girls socially, economically and politically. However, many deserving female candidates are often deprived of chances in politics due to nepotism and favouritism. Only those close to leaderships of political parties get opportunities time and again. This form of bias creates a sense of frustration among genuine aspirants.  

The creation of the National Women Commission (NWC) is considered a milestone event in terms of protection of women’s human rights in the country. The independent and autonomous body aims to ensure the safeguarding of women’s human rights and end all forms of discrimination and marginalisation. Its next objective is to ensure easy access to justice for women victims of different forms of violence, such as domestic violence, trafficking, and conflict. Besides, the organisation works towards ensuring gender mainstreaming through proportional, social, inclusive and meaningful participation of women from various communities. The NWC also makes suggestions and advice to the government to fulfil the latter’s commitments and obligations expressed in the international conventions and forums. It regularly monitors the formulation and implementation of various national laws and policies and gives suggestions to the concerned agencies when there are any flaws.    

It needs no mention that Nepal is signatory to numerous international conventions on human rights, and rights of women and children. The nation has also agreed on international goals in terms of education, health and poverty eradication. So, the country is firm on making swift progress towards gender equality.  As a member of the United Nations, Nepal has remained dedicated to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). There are 17 goals that are designed to end poverty, hunger, AIDS, and discrimination against women and girls. Gender equality is addressed through Goal 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. Attaining this goal is vital for gender parity and empowerment as it aims to put an end to discrimination against women and girls, eliminate violence against them, ensure equal access to leadership positions, and promote women's full participation in society across all spheres of life.  

Despite these achievements, women have continued to face problems. It is saddening to note that Nepal reports many rape and murder cases every year. A lot of women and girls are also forced to be the victims of domestic violence, trafficking and violence at workplace. Dowry-related assaults and deaths are also recorded. This problem is mostly found in the Terai region. Women are also tortured on charge of practicing witchcraft. One of its major reasons is that the Nepali society is still patriarchal in nature. Gender biases seem rampant in education. Because of this, girls are bound to go through discrimination in access to education as well. However, women and girls are now doing much better in education than before. According to the population census 2021, women’s literacy rate increased to 69.4 per cent while it was 57.4 per cent a decade ago. 

Crucial steps 

As patriarchy is deleterious to women’s progress, governments need to take crucial steps immediately to free women from its clutches. It is worth noting that Nepal has accepted all forms of violence against women as serious crimes. It is necessary to implement the laws effectively to bring the perpetrators involved in the violence against women to justice. Policies and laws that ensure zero impunity towards violence against women must be adopted.

(The author is a former deputy executive editor of this daily.)