Gender equality essential for sustainable development: NPC Vice-Chair Adhikari

July 16, Kathmandu: National Planning Commission Vice-Chair Prof. Dr. Shivraj Adhikari stated that sustainable development is impossible without gender equality and justice.

Speaking at the United Nations High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development in New York, he highlighted Nepal’s commitment to gender equality as a national priority. Adhikari noted that Nepal’s constitution ensures equal rights and reserves one-third of parliamentary seats for women.

He also mentioned strict laws against domestic violence and provisions securing women’s property and inheritance rights.

Currently, women hold 33.5% of national parliament seats, 36% of provincial assembly seats, and 41% of local government positions, achieved through effective legal quotas. Nepal’s legal framework addresses 88.9% of the gender equality targets under Sustainable Development Goal 5.

Vice-Chair Adhikari emphasised Nepal’s progress in preventing gender-based violence through strong laws, effective policies, and implementation mechanisms.

The government has integrated gender-responsive budgeting at the national, provincial, and local levels, supporting programs to combat domestic violence. However, challenges remain. Women’s labour market participation is only 26.3%, with many in low-paying informal jobs.

Rural women face high illiteracy rates, one in three girls marries before 18, and gender-based violence remains prevalent. To address these issues, Adhikari called for increased investment in women’s economic empowerment, stronger community programs, and global collaboration to share best practices.