Beijing+15 Review National Conference
Background of the Conference
A Two day national conference on Beijing + 15 Review was held on Sept. 13th and 14th in Kathmandu, Nepal. The program was organized by National Network for Beijing + 15 Review Nepal (NNBN) which constitutes of 50 key national NGOs. The conference was coordinated by Saathi. During the conference, papers were presented on 12 critical areas of concern and emerging issues that were pertinent in the context of Nepal. The conference was attended by around 250 women and men gender activists from all over the country. Following the presentation, group discussions were held where participants' comments, suggestions and recommendations were collected for finalizing the NGO B+15 Review report.
Inaugural Session:
- The inaugural session of the two day national conference was held amidst the significant presence of the Rt. Honourable President H.E. Dr. Ram Baran Yadav. Also present at the ceremony were Minister for Ministry of Women, Children, and Social Welfare, Constituent Assembly members, dignitaries, representatives of Government and civil society, community based organizations, and the media.
- During the inaugural session, three prominent women Sahana Pradhan, Prof. Dr. Shanta Thapaliya and Chadani Joshi were honored in recognition of their contribution in taking the women's movement ahead at national, regional, and international levels.
- Sahana Pradhan a prominent political leader applauded the 33 % reservation for women in the parliament . She believed that women's place in the parliament and politics would help in bringing significant change in the women's movement.
- Similarly Shanta Thapaliya emphasized on establishing and strengthening institutional mechanisms for gender equality and increasing women's participation in decision making positions.
- Chandani Joshi stressed on the importance of strengthening accountability mechanism for effective implementation of BPFA
- The President expressed national and personal commitment to promote gender equality and identified poverty and illiteracy as the main obstacle for the overall development of women.
- The inaugural session was telecast live by Kantipur Television.
Technical Sessions:
- Papers on 12 areas of concern were presented by experts during the three technical sessions held during the conference. Open floor and Group works were also held to discuss and take feedbacks from the participants.
- The critical issues in the context of Nepal that were identified were Transitional justice, end to impunity, engendering Constitution making process, climate change from gender perspective, migrant women's issues etc.
Voices from the conference
"The conference has taught us to rise above our differenes and be united in our issues." Dila Sangraula, Eastern Development Region
"Coming from a backward rural community I feel extremely lucky to have been provided an opportunity to be a part of this conference." Madhuri Shrestha, Western Development Region
"No matter which part of Nepal we come from, I am happy that we can be a pat of this strong network for keeping the Beijing commitment alive." China Lama, Central Development Region
"The conference has provided us a platform for learning and sharing experiences." Prisma Singh, Mid Western Development Region.
"I commit to take the declaration of the conference to every village development committee in my district though my networks and local FMs." Lalita Sunuwar, Far Western Development Region.
The National Conference was made possible with the valuable support of Foundation of Open Society Institute (FOSI), The Asia Foundation (TAF), Tewa, GTZ and Hotel de la Annapurna.