Nepal's Minister Stresses Access to Justice for Women as Cornerstone of Gender Equality at UN Forum

Minister for Women, Children and Senior Citizens, Shradha Shrestha, stated that establishing access to justice for women and girls is not only a fundamental right but also the cornerstone of gender equality.

Her secretariat informed that while addressing the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women organized by the United Nations in New York, America, she mentioned that Nepal is committed to this principle.

Minister Shrestha noted that Nepal has enshrined this commitment in its constitution and informed that international obligations, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, have also been fulfilled.

She further informed that Nepal has enacted laws declaring domestic violence, harmful practices, child marriage, human trafficking, and sexual abuse as crimes, bringing perpetrators under the legal purview.

Minister Shrestha stated that to make Nepal's justice system more effective and contemporary, gender-friendly courts have been established to strengthen the judicial structure, according to her secretariat.

Minister Shrestha said that to facilitate justice, legal services are being expanded through easy complaint systems, victim support services, gender-responsive special units, and free legal aid and mediation. She added that crisis response and financial support services are being expanded nationwide. She also mentioned that supporting marginalized women by ensuring inclusive representation and prioritizing women's empowerment has been emphasized.

Minister Shrestha stated that Nepal's political parties have also shown a strong commitment to achieving gender equality. She said, "Due to political commitment and a strong legal foundation, Nepal has achieved significant progress in promoting gender equality and empowering women and girls in a short period."

Minister Shrestha called upon the global community to strengthen partnerships, mobilize adequate resources, utilize the potential of technology, enhance institutional capacity, and share responsibility to address existing challenges. She emphasized ensuring an environment where every woman and girl in the world can access justice without any hindrance through these efforts.

Minister Shrestha had stated that Nepal is promoting inclusive and accessible justice through quasi-judicial bodies at the local level, service delivery, and a victim-centered approach. She mentioned that confidentiality and rehabilitation are prioritized through this approach.

Furthermore, Minister Shrestha expressed confidence that reforms such as enabling the system for obtaining citizenship in the mother's name and recognizing women's unpaid care work have increased equality and further strengthened women's dignity.

The program will run until March 19. The Nepali delegation includes government officials from the Ministry of Women, Children and Senior Citizens and Nepal's permanent mission to the United Nations.