On 26th March 2019, Jagriti Child and Youth Concern Nepal with the support of KANALLAN conducted the sharing program for the “Paper on the Situation of Girls in Nepal” at Alfa House, Kathmandu. The position paper had been prepared as a part of Girls Empowerment Project with consultation with CSOs at local and federal level and focused on policy analysis on girl’s rights in the existing provision. The chief guest of the program was her Honorable Minister of Women, Children and Senior Citizen, Tham Maya Thapa while Tilottam Paudel, President of JCYCN, chaired the event. There was a participation from over 100 participants including federal and provincial parliamentarians, National Youth Council, CCWB, National Planning Commission, NGO Federation, Child Rights Network representatives, CSO representatives, INGO representatives, media personals and likeminded stakeholders.
The program was facilitated by the Program Coordinator of JCYCN, Shraddha Verma, who began the program with the welcome and seating ceremony. The General Secretory of JCYCN, Deepak Sharma then welcomed the guests and presented the objectives for the position paper to everyone. Mr. Milan Dharel, then presented in brief about the position paper following its launch. In it he covered details pertaining to the existing provision in the constitution, current situation of girls with factual data, need for advocacy for girls and recommendations.
In response to the position paper her Honorable Minister, Tham Maya Thapa, gave her commitment to follow up the recommendations given by the position paper and emphasized that the active involvement of the local government would play a key role to subside the violence against girls and children. Furthermore, she ensured everyone that she had already started the process of creating and implementing laws that will give the highest sentence to those that perpetuate violence against girls and children. She also stressed on need to work together to bring a change in the mindset and behavior regarding how girls are viewed in society.
Various other dignitaries present also gave their commitment to follow up on the recommendations to the best of their abilities. Krishna Chandra Acharya, president of NACG, speaking on behalf of networks working on child rights shared that it is the duty of CSOs to work closely with the government to help create a safe environment for girls. Namuna Bhusal, Program Manager at CCWB, stressed that there was a need to pay special attention to formulating laws for girls. Bhawana Bhatta, executive member of National Youth Council and secretary of NGO Federation, expressed her desire for the inclusion of girls in the planning phase of future activities. President of National Girls Network, Menuka Thapa expressed her worry regarding the various acts of violence being committed against girls.
Member of National Planning Commission, Min Bahadur Shahi while giving his commitment also shared the need for better implementation of the law and need for raising awareness regarding girl rights. Laxmi Karki, specialist at the office the President, emphasized that there was a need to work from the individual level up for creating a safe environment for girls. His honorable member of provincial assembly, Roshan Gaha expressed his commitment and shared that work was already underway to cover the issues that had been raised. His honorable member of provincial assembly, Bishnu Lamichhane focused attention on the need to pay special attention issues such as violence, rape and discrimination.
Mr. Tarak Dhial, former executive director of CCWB and child rights activist concluded the program and presented the way forward after which the program was concluded by a vote of thanks form Mr. Tilottam Paudel, President of JCYCN.