Nepal Red Cross reviews efforts to safeguard and empower women

Kathmandu, Feb 25: The Nepal Red Cross Society has reaffirmed its commitment to women’s empowerment and protection, highlighting ongoing initiatives during a mid-term review of its safeguarding activities.

The review stressed the need to strengthen advocacy and policy reform to better protect women’s rights.

Under Secretary at the Ministry of Women, Children and Senior Citizens, Anju Dhungana, outlined the government’s policies and programmes aimed at ensuring women’s safety and empowerment.

Representatives from the International Committee of the Red Cross, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, British Red Cross, American Red Cross, Swiss Red Cross, and Danish Red Cross shared their views on challenges in safeguarding women, including raising awareness, collecting complaints, ensuring timely response, and providing necessary support.

Suvechha Manandar, coordinator of the ‘Safeguarding’ project at the Nepal Red Cross, said the review focused on practical ways to protect and promote women’s rights. Participants also stressed the importance of information sharing.

Director of the Safeguarding, Gender and Inclusion Department at the Nepal Red Cross, Divya Raj Paudel, said previous safeguarding efforts had shown positive results.

The review also highlighted the role of the government’s one-door crisis management centre in supporting efforts to prevent misconduct against those involved in humanitarian work. The organization said it has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against sexual exploitation, harassment and abuse, and has discouraged discriminatory practices among staff and volunteers.