KATHMANDU: Minister for Women, Children and Senior Citizens Julie Kumari Mahato has asserted on the strict implementation of laws to minimize the violence against women (VAW).

During an inaugural ceremony of a national interaction on ‘ Indigenous Women and Covid-19’ organized by the National Indigenous Women’s Federation on the occasion of 11th International Women’s Day here today, the Minister said there were several laws against the violence against women, but to combat the crime had been challenging as the effective implementation of such laws was awaited.

”Nepal’s constitution and other laws have many provisions for combating the violence against women, but we are disappointed due to the lack of effective implementation and our attention must be shifted to the implementation aspect,” she asserted. According to her, VAW cases will go down if women’s access to education and economic activities is increased.

She briefed the gathering that the Ministry recently endorsed the Gender Equity Policy, and it will be brought into practice in every province.

Also speaking on the occasion, Ministry secretary Yam Kumari Khatiwada said the constitution has guaranteed the women’s rights as fundamental rights and women should also be proactive to get their rights ensured.

”Though Nepal is becoming progressive towards the women, it is a matter of concern that VAW cases have not decreased.”

Nepal is celebrating this year’s International Women’s Day with the theme of ‘ women’s safety, respect and employment: bases for a prosperous Nepal’ while the international theme is ‘ Women in leadership: achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world’. RSS