Kathmandu, October 25, 2024—A National Consultation on the Civil Society Report for the Beijing+30 Review took place today, bringing together civil society organizations, government representatives, and international development partners to assess Nepal’s progress on gender equality and women’s empowerment. The event, organized by the National Network for Beijing Review Nepal (NNBN), in collaboration with the Forum for Women, Law, and Development (FWLD) and UN Women, marks a crucial milestone in revisiting the commitments made under the Beijing Platform for Action, a global agenda for women’s rights and gender justice.
The consultation provided a platform for a diverse range of voices to share insights on Nepal’s advancements and challenges in areas such as women's economic participation, political inclusion, and access to health and education. The discussions also touched upon the intersection of environmental sustainability and gender equality, highlighting the importance of integrating gender-sensitive approaches in addressing environmental issues such as climate change and natural disasters.
Nepal, being vulnerable to environmental risks, faces a double burden where climate impacts disproportionately affect women, especially in rural areas. Participants at the event stressed the need for urgent actions in the climate and environmental sectors, such as supporting women’s leadership in environmental decision-making processes, enhancing climate resilience at the community level, and ensuring women's access to sustainable resources and clean energy.
Keynote speakers emphasized that women's empowerment should go hand in hand with environmental sustainability, recognizing that empowering women as agents of change in the face of climate crises can bring about transformative solutions. The Beijing+30 Review will play a pivotal role in shaping future policies that not only promote gender equality but also foster an inclusive and sustainable environment for all.
As Nepal continues to grapple with the impacts of environmental degradation and climate change, today's consultation served as a reminder of the essential role women play in building a more resilient society. The outcomes of this consultation will feed into global processes aimed at achieving sustainable development goals with a gender-responsive lens, ensuring that environmental and development challenges are tackled inclusively.
The National Consultation on the Civil Society Report for the Beijing+30 Review concluded with a call to action, urging stakeholders to continue working together to address both gender and environmental issues, as the future of sustainable development depends on the empowerment of all individuals, particularly women and marginalized groups.
