Statement by Hon. Julie Kumari Mahato, Minister for Women, Children and Senior Citizens, at the 65th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women
New York, 23 March 2021
Priority theme: Women's full and effective participation and decision-making in public life, as well as the elimination of violence, for achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls.
Mr. Chairman,
Excellencies, and
Distinguished Delegates
At the outset, I would like to congratulate you, Mr. Chairman, and other bureau members on your election to preside over the 65th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women. I wish you all success and also assure you of my delegation’s full support.
I thank the UN Secretary-General for his comprehensive report on the priority theme of this Session.
Nepal attaches great importance to the work of the Commission and endorses this year’s theme, which resonates well with Nepal’s development aspirations to create an inclusive, just and equitable society with the full and effective participation of women.
Mr. Chairman,
The COVID-19 pandemic has increased gender inequalities more than ever. Yet, it has also underlined the importance and relevance of women’s full and effective participation in public life and the decision-making process. However, gender stereotypes, structural barriers and challenges still hinder women’s effective participation in public life including the achievement of the gender-related SDGs by 2030.
Mr. Chairman,
Gender equality and women empowerment have been Nepal’s top development priority. The Constitution of Nepal guarantees the fundamental rights of women and girls, including the rights of sexual minorities. Equal lineage and property rights, safe motherhood and reproductive health rights, and women’s right to participate in all State structures are ensured in the Constitution based on the principle of proportional representation. Nepal is a State Party to over two dozen human rights instruments, including CEDAW. We have an independent National Women’s Commission, mandated by the Constitution to safeguard women’s rights and interest.
Currently, the representation of women at the elected posts of the federal, provincial and local levels has reached 32.7%, 34% and 41% respectively. The proportion of women in civil service and female teachers in schools have increased. Similarly, female labour force participation and the Gender Development Index have reached 26.3% and 0.886% respectively.
Nepal has been implementing a zero-tolerance policy on gender-based violence. We have criminalized all forms of sexual discrimination and gender-based violence and have enacted several legislations to eliminate violence against women and girls. Domestic Violence (Crime and Punishment) Act and the Crime Victim Protection Act guarantee the protection of victims of domestic and sexual violence.
Likewise, Acid and Other Lethal Chemical Substances (Regulation) Ordinance, and the Ordinance to Amend the Penal Code and Criminal Procedure Code have been enacted to control and penalize such crimes.
Nepal is the pioneer country in South Asia to introduce the concept of the gender-responsive budget as well as to implement the National Action Plan on the UN Security Council Resolutions 1325 and 1820 on Women, Peace and Security. The proportion of gender-responsive budget has now reached 38% of the total budget.
Nepal is committed to combating human trafficking. It has ratified the Palermo Protocol last year and the existing laws relating to human trafficking are in the process of amendments.
The Government has already achieved gender parity at school label by implementing Comprehensive School Safety Package, including the construction of separate toilets in school, free distribution of sanitary pads, and scholarship schemes. Mid-day meals and scholarships are provided to the needy students. To protect and ensure the right of reproductive health of women free Heli lift service has been effective to rescue pregnant women facing maternity-related complications from remote parts of the country under the President Women Upliftment Program.
Mr. Chairman,
Nepal is strongly committed to gender equality, women empowerment and eliminating all forms of discrimination against women. The Government has recently approved the National Gender Equality Policy, 2021 which is expected to be a milestone to establish gender friendly governance system at all level and in achieving our national aspiration of women's empowerment and gender equality.
In this journey, Nepal looks forward for an enhanced level of cooperation from the international community in the days ahead.
I thank you for your attention.