KATHMANDU: Minister for Women, Children and Senior Citizens, Nawal Kishore Sah Sudi, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to institutionalizing and safeguarding the rights of sexual and gender minorities in Nepal.
Addressing a seminar organized by the Blue Diamond Society in Kathmandu, Sudi highlighted the need for robust collaboration between the government, civil society, international partners, media, and communities to ensure the rights of sexual and gender minorities and drive positive societal change.
“Collaboration and mutual partnership are crucial foundations for achieving gender equality. From the policy-making level to the community level, everyone’s participation is essential to build an inclusive society,” said Sudi.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to promoting human rights, equality, and inclusivity through the effective implementation of inclusive policies.
“We not only want to protect human rights but also ensure the effective implementation of inclusive policies. Nepal has a tradition of respecting inclusive culture. I am committed to implementing inclusiveness in line with the constitution and laws,” he said.
Sudi highlighted the importance of creating safe spaces for sexual and gender minority communities across all sectors. He noted that safety extends beyond physical spaces to include social, legal, and mental environments, enabling individuals to express their true identities freely and live without discrimination or violence.
“The government, civil society, and communities must work together to make Nepal a safer, more inclusive, and equal country for sexual and gender minority communities,” he said.
He also noted that the Ministry of Women, Children, and Senior Citizens is actively involved in capacity-building initiatives, livelihood programs, and orientation sessions at the provincial and local levels to raise community awareness and support sexual and gender minorities.
Manisha Dhakal, Executive Director of the Blue Diamond Society, called for the full implementation of the constitutional rights of sexual and gender minority communities. She stressed the importance of translating constitutional provisions into tangible changes in the lives of these communities.
The seminar served as a platform to discuss the challenges and opportunities in promoting diversity and inclusion in Nepal and across Asia, with participants from various sectors contributing insights and recommendations.
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