Women need to reach policy-making level to empower themselves: PM Karki

November 25, Kathmandu: Prime Minister Sushila Karki has stated that although good laws have been made regarding women, there are problems in their implementation.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the 16-Day International Campaign Against Gender-Based Violence, organised by the Ministry of Women, Children and Senior Citizens at the Prime Minister’s Office today, Prime Minister Karki said that merely having a woman as Prime Minister or President does not guarantee women’s participation or ensure equality.

She emphasised that only when women reach policy-making levels through politics can decisions be made on women’s issues. Prime Minister Karki stressed the need to awaken society to eliminate violence against women.

Stating that women in rural areas are still forced to live difficult lives, Prime Minister Karki expressed the view that the feeling of equality between women and men needs to be developed in society.

On the occasion, Secretary of the Ministry of Women, Children and Senior Citizens, Laxmi Basnet, informed that the government is running various programs for women’s economic empowerment.

Chairperson of the National Women’s Commission, Kamala Parajuli, pointed out that violence against women and girls has increased due to the misuse of technology and stressed the need to make the campaign against gender-based violence even stronger.

Similarly, Coordinator of the Men’s Campaign Against Violence Against Women, Sanjog Thakuri, said that the men’s campaign is important to end violence against women.

Every year, from November 25 to December 10, the 16-Day International Campaign Against Gender-Based Violence is observed worldwide.