Nepal Highlights Women's Access to Justice and Reproductive Health at UN Commission Session in New York

Kathmandu. Nepal successfully concluded a significant discussion program focused on women's and girls' access to justice and issues related to sexual and reproductive health during the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) held in New York, USA, on March 10, 2026.

Speaking as the chief guest, Minister for Women, Children, and Senior Citizens, Shraddha Shrestha, stated that although many legal provisions have been made in Nepal for the protection of the rights of women and girls, there is still a need for their effective implementation in practice.

She emphasized the necessity of paying special attention to the rights and access of women and girls with disabilities and marginalized groups during the implementation phase.

During the panel discussion chaired by Krishna Waiba, Chairperson of the Beyond Beijing Committee, Sabin Shrestha, Executive Director and Advocate at Women, Law and Development Forum (FWLD), informed that the organization has been operating legal aid programs to enhance access to justice for women and girls with disabilities concerning reproductive health rights. He also pointed out the need for a disability-friendly and accessible judicial directive to ensure equal access to justice.

The program was moderated by Machhe Gurung. On the occasion, Advocate Ritu Thapa shed light on the access to justice for indigenous women, while Pabitra Sunar presented a 'Call for Action'.

The event was attended by Secretary of the Ministry of Women, Children, and Senior Citizens, Radhika Aryal, Joint Secretary Abha Shrestha, and Second Secretary of Nepal's Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York, Sunita Lakandri, among others.