Improvements Noted, More Work Needed for Women and Children, Says Minister Chaudhary

Minister of Women, Children and Senior Citizens, Bhagwati Chaudhary, remarked that despite notable progress in the last decade, significant challenges remain in the fight for women and children’s rights in Nepal. Speaking at the launch of the new book “Gender Equality in Nepal: Facts and Figures”, she highlighted the ongoing issues faced by women and children across the nation.

The book, published by the Ministry, compiles various studies and aims to be a valuable resource for stakeholders aiming to understand and combat gender disparities. Minister Chaudhary expressed a wish that future editions of the book include more comprehensive data analysis across all 753 municipalities to enhance its effectiveness.

One of the troubling statistics shared by the Minister was that 79.8 percent of women in Nepal still face violence. She also pointed out discrepancies in political representation, noting that although women make up 33 percent of the political participants, they only account for 5.5 percent of elected officials, a disparity more pronounced in directly contested seats compared to those reserved for women.

Minister Chaudhary’s statements underscore the urgent need for continued efforts to ensure equality and safety for all women and children in Nepal.