Surkhet declaration to free local level from VAW

Surkhet – Women people's representatives and woman human rights defenders have issued Surkhet declaration to make the local levels in Karnali province free from Violence against Women. 

The declaration was issued following a three-day Karnali provincial gathering held in the provincial headquarters. Accordingly, works will be carried out to increase the capacity of women's representatives, maintain position in social justice issues, generate environment of zero tolerance towards all kinds of violence and discrimination among others, according to President of National Network of Women Human Rights Defenders Dr Renu Adhikari.

Likewise, efforts shall be made to ensure the proportional representation of the people living with HIV/AIDS, the conflict survivors, single women, trafficking survivors, Dalit, janajati, Raute and Badi women. 

The local level elected women representatives will immediately work to establish psychosocial counselling centres, maintain zero tolerance against VAW incidents, take special steps in the field of reproductive and sexual health and improve maternity services, according to Deputy Mayor of Bheri municipality Bhawana Bhandari. 

Deputy Mayors and Vice-chairs of the local level governments and women human rights defenders active in Karnali province took part in the gathering that concluded in Birendranagar on Saturday. 
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