KATHMANDU: Minister for Women, Children, Gender and Sexual Minorities and Social Security, Sita Badi, has said that women empowerment, gender equality and building a violence-free society have been given high priority in the budget for the upcoming fiscal year.
Responding to questions raised during the discussion on the Appropriation Bill in the meeting of the House of Representatives on Wednesday, Minister Badi said that emphasis has been placed on the economic empowerment of women and girls affected by and vulnerable to violence. She said that budget has been allocated for skill developments, skill testing, startup support and entrepreneurship development programs for women survivors of violence.
She said that the process of amendment to the Human Trafficking and Smuggling Control Act, 2064, has been initiated to address contemporary issues, including the Parlemo Protocol. The livelihood improvement program for disadvantaged women is being implemented through 111 local levels that are lagging behind in the human development index.
Stating that the ministry will implement employment and entrepreneurship programs for Dalit, minority and marginalized communities in coordination with the provinces and local levels, she said that emphasis will be placed on implementing programs targeting Santhal, Chidimar, Dom, Musahar, Chamar, Majhi, Badi, Bote, Indigent Khas Arya, freed bonded labourers, Ranatharu, Bhote, Sauka, Byas, Kusunda, Danuwar and Muslim communities.
Necessary budget has been allocated for the construction of 15 women, children and senior citizen service center buildings in Madhesh, Lumbini and Sudurpaschim provinces under the Women Empowerment Program in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank.
According to Minister Badi, the ministry has given high priority to the aerial rescue of pregnant and postpartum women and newborns who need urgent medical attention in 252 local levels of 48 districts in the mountainous and remote hilly areas with no road access.
The ministry has a plan to conduct a campaign in collaboration with stakeholders including the government at all three levels and civil society to make Nepal a child marriage-free country by 2030.
Similarly, Minister Badi said that a policy has been adopted to ensure access to necessary opportunities and services for a dignified, self-reliant and dignified life by promoting the rights of persons with disabilities. A policy has been adopted to expand senior citizen-friendly services, establish day care centers, lead a dignified life, and involve them in economic empowerment activities for active aging with the aim of strengthening the respect, security, health, and social protection of senior citizens.
The next meeting of the House of Representatives will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday.
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