Three-Day International Conference on Gender Inclusion Kicks Off in Kathmandu

The three-day international conference on gender inclusion in National Human Rights Institutions commenced today in Kathmandu. The event, organized by the National Human Rights Commission, has brought together over 150 representatives from 19 countries across the Asia-Pacific region.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli inaugurated the conference, emphasizing its importance in addressing global inequalities. The conference aims to foster discussions on gender inclusiveness and effective strategies to tackle existing challenges.

National Human Rights Commission Chairperson Top Bahadur Magar highlighted the conference’s objective to reduce global inequalities, expressing hope that the event will effectively address gender inclusiveness issues despite ongoing challenges.

Minister for Women, Children, and Senior Citizens, Nawal Kishwor Sah Sudi, noted the gradual disappearance of patriarchal mindsets but stressed that significant work remains to be done to bridge the gender gap.

Chairperson of the National Women Commission, Kamala Parajuli, acknowledged the effectiveness of national and international laws but pointed out the ongoing challenges in their implementation. She expressed optimism that the conference will focus on these implementation issues.

Through a video message, Mariam Abdullah Al Attiyah, Chairperson of the General Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions, spoke about the global discrimination faced by women, children, and marginalized communities. She urged a strong commitment from human rights commissions to reduce these disparities.

NHRC member Dr. Lily Thapa emphasized the persistent gender biases in various countries, including Nepal, and expressed hope that the conference will contribute to overcoming these biases.

UNDP Nepal Resident Representative Kyoko Yokosuka highlighted the challenge of translating Nepal’s progressive constitution into reality, with a goal to eliminate 15 percent of global disparities by 2030.

Conference Schedule:

The conference will feature seven panel discussions on various themes:

1. Pluralism in Policy and Practice Justice – Chaired by Justice Anup Raj Sharma, former Chairperson of the NHRC Nepal.
2. Implementation Status of the Amman Declaration – Chaired by Pravesh Sharma, Chairperson, and Proceedings Commissioner of the Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission, Fiji.
3. GESI Mainstreaming within NHRIs – Chaired by Bandana Rana, UN CEDAW Committee Member.
4. Integrating Gender Perspectives in Policy and Legislative Review by NHRIs – Chaired by Dr. Anand Mohan Bhattarai, former Justice of the Supreme Court of Nepal.
5. Human Rights Forum on ‘Enhancing the External Works of NHRIs’ – Chaired by Mariyam Muna, President, Human Rights Commission of the Maldives.
6. Role of NHRIs in Promoting Intersectionality in the Asia-Pacific Region – Chaired by Dr. Ram Krishna Timalsena, former Chairperson, National Inclusion Commission of Nepal.

The discussions will focus on enhancing gender equality and improving human rights practices across the region.