Mayor Mohanmaya Dhakal Emphasizes Women's Decisive Presence in Governance

Surkhet. The mayor of Birendranagar Municipality, Surkhet, Mohanmaya Dhakal, has stated that women must have a decisive presence in every structure and decision-making process of the state.

Speaking at the 'Karnali Daughter Conference' program that began in Birendranagar on Saturday, Dhakal said that inclusive development is not possible without the decisive participation of women.

For that, she said, it is necessary to protect the historical struggles and achievements for women's rights and move towards further empowerment.

Mayor Dhakal stated that the historic four-point declaration passed by the parliament in 2063 BS ensured women's equal rights and at least 33 percent participation in state bodies.

"Therefore, it has made a significant contribution to the political and social empowerment of Nepali women," she added, "Although significant achievements have been made in the field of women's rights, challenges of gender discrimination, violence, unequal opportunities, and social malpractices still remain."

Dhakal said that collective efforts from all levels of the state, society, and family are necessary to end such challenges. She further said, "Women are now capable of leading social change through inspiring stories of their struggles, successes, and achievements, not just limiting themselves to stories of pain and oppression."

She also said that governments at all levels should be proactive in expanding women's access in areas such as education, health, employment, entrepreneurship, and leadership development.