Kathmandu, March 7, 2025 – Nepal has reaffirmed its commitment to gender equality by intensifying efforts to implement recommendations from the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). In a reflective session organized by Saathi, a national NGO focused on gender equality, key government and civil society representatives convened to discuss the progress and challenges in meeting CEDAW obligations.
The Minister for Women, Children, and Senior Citizens, Nawal Kishor Sah Sudi, underscored the government's dedication to advancing gender equality and called for collaborative efforts to achieve CEDAW's concluding observations. He stressed the importance of involving civil society in creating a more gender-inclusive society.
Addressing Challenges and Recognizing Progress
Participants at the event reviewed Nepal's 7th periodic report to CEDAW, presented in Geneva last month. Laxmi Kumari Basnet, Secretary at the Ministry of Women, Children, and Senior Citizens, highlighted Nepal's achievements in meeting deadlines for submitting reports but acknowledged the need for further refinement in the process.
Kamala Parajuli, Chairperson of the National Women Commission, noted progress in gender equality but expressed concerns over limited governmental preparation in highlighting Nepal's comprehensive efforts. Sajani Amatya, Chairperson of Saathi, emphasized the significance of solidarity and stakeholder collaboration in addressing institutional challenges.
Bandana Rana, a member of the CEDAW committee, informed attendees that the CEDAW committee had recognized Nepal's strides in strengthening gender justice. However, she stressed the need for enhancing monitoring systems and ensuring the implementation of CEDAW recommendations in policy frameworks.
Inclusive Focus on Diverse Gender Issues
The session also spotlighted diverse gender-related concerns, including challenges faced by marginalized groups such as Muslim women and indigenous communities. Representatives like Pratima Gurung of the National Indigenous Disabled Women Association Nepal expressed satisfaction over the inclusion of intersectional issues in the latest CEDAW report.
Experts such as Medha Sharma from Visible Impact emphasized that improved coordination between government ministries could significantly enhance implementation outcomes. Meanwhile, Sabin Shrestha from the Forum for Women, Law, and Development (FWLD) advocated for deeper engagement with local governments and civil society.
Way Forward
The UN Women Country Representative, Patricia Fernandez, commended Nepal's progress but urged stakeholders to integrate the CEDAW recommendations into sustainable development policies. The reflective session concluded with a collective agreement to strengthen institutional mechanisms, bridge funding gaps, and prioritize marginalized voices in gender equality initiatives.
Nepal's continued commitment to gender justice, reflected in its engagement with CEDAW, underscores the nation’s dedication to eliminating systemic inequalities. As efforts persist, all stakeholders must collaborate to achieve tangible, lasting progress for gender equality.
