Ministry Launches Awareness Campaign for Inclusive Upcoming General Elections

Kathmandu. The Ministry of Women, Children and Senior Citizens has started broadcasting public awareness and promotional materials with the objective of making the upcoming House of Representatives election inclusive and accessible, and to enhance public awareness for informed decision-making.

Following the Election Commission's launch of the voter education program last Sunday, the ministry has prepared and begun broadcasting and publicizing educational and message-oriented materials promoting inclusion and providing information on rights, targeting women, children, senior citizens, and other marginalized groups and communities in ten different local languages.

Speaking at an event organized by the Community Radio Broadcasters Association (ACORAB) Nepal in Kathmandu on Monday, Minister for Women, Children and Senior Citizens Shraddha Shrestha stated that the ministry is committed to ensuring the right of women, children, senior citizens, and other citizens to vote freely and without fear in an informed manner.

According to the ministry, the promotion of educational and informational materials in languages including Nepali, Maithili, Bhojpuri, Awadhi, Tamang, Newari, and Rai has already begun.

Stating that only 11 percent of women candidates are in the field for direct elections, she emphasized the need for commitment from all sides to improve this situation in the coming days. She announced that the ministry will run a special campaign to increase the participation of women voters in the election.

While inquiring about the election preparations in all seven provinces, she mentioned that the ministry is coordinating with stakeholders to ensure women's participation, disability-friendly, and accessible polling stations in the election.

She also stated that all parties must work responsibly to prevent the misuse of children during the election. She further emphasized that the government, civil society, and parents, along with all stakeholders, must work together to protect children and ensure child rights.