Existing Legislation
In 1990, the new democratic constitution of the country guaranteed equal protection and non-discrimination to \all Nepalese citizens, and in 1991, Nepal became a signed member of the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). However, despite the presence of this legislation, legal, political, economic and social gender discrimination continues in almost every aspect of life in Nepal.
New Legislation
Recently, women’s rights groups in Nepal successfully lobbied for the integration of International human rights instruments in to Nepal’s national law through the new Women’s Rights Bill (Eleventh Amendment to the Country Code or Muluki Ain). Repealing discriminatory laws against women, this Bill theoretically provides women greater rights in inheritance, divorce, abortion and adoption and increases punishments for perpetrators of rape, incest, paedophilia and child marriage. However, as in the case of CEDAW, people are unaware of this new law and it is not being enforced.
Pressing for implementation
As a result of widespread ignorance and failure to implement rights, Nepal is rated 119 on the Gender-related Development Index and women’s rights abuses and the effects of gender related discrimination continues to be well documented. Saathi is a key organisation pressing for the implementation of existing laws and the formation of new laws to protect women and children against violence and exploitation.
Fighting for women’s rights:
- Legal gains for women in NepalIn the twentieth session, the Parliament House of Representatives passed the Country Code (Eleventh Amendment) Bill with some amendments that had been under consideration since the eleventh session of the parliament. Read More..
- CEDAWThe Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), adopted in 1979 by the UN General Assembly, is often described as an international bill of rights for women. Read More..
- Domestic Violence Bill
- Citizenship rights for Nepali womenCitizenship in Nepal has been described as a ‘ticket to life’ as it is vital to access governmental services, such as education and healthcare and to register a person’s existence. Read More..
- Sexual Harassment Bill
- MoU Signing ANFA-SaathiGlimpses of Launch of Campaign ” Our Goal: End Violence Against Women” & MoU Signing Ceremony between All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) – Saathi 11 February 2011 ANFA Complex, Kathmandu.Read More..
- Theatre of the OppressedGlimpses of A Consultative Meeting to take immediate actions for the rights of the minors working in the Entertainment IndustryRead More..
- The New Openness: Initiating a social dialogue on prostitution in Nepal from different perspectivesThe New Openness: Initiating a social dialogue on images/stories/advocacy in Nepal from different perspectives Tuesday, January 11, 2011 Hotel Himalaya, KupondoleRead More..
- Glimpses of 16 Days Activism16 Days Activism against Gender Based Violence Campaign 25 November to 10 December 2010ReadMore..
- 16 Days Activism16 Days campaign against Gender Based Violence, Calendar of activities to be conducted by Saathi, 25thNovember – 10th DecemberRead More..
- “Women’s Participation and Protection for Peace and Development”16 Days Activism Against Gender Based Violence – 2010, “Women’s Participation and Protection for Peace and Development” Interactive Discussion, 2nd December, 2010 Read More..
- Press Release – Civil Society Monitoring of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325Civil Society Monitoring of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325Read More..
- Mainstreaming LGBTI Concerns in Human Rights Agenda Workshop with Women’s Rights ActivistsMainstreaming LGBT Concerns in Human Rights Agenda Workshop with Women’s Rights Activists April 3-4, 2010Read More..
- Domestic Violence (Crime and Punishment) Act 2008, NepalNepal Gazette Published by Nepal Government Section 59 Kathmandu, Baishak 14 2066, additional volume 3, SECTION 2 Government of Nepal Ministry of Law, Justice and Constituent Assembly AffairsReadMore..
- Training of Trainers on Violence against Women through community Action 14th May – 18thMaySaathi organized a training of the trainers on violence against women through community action. This training was held in the United World Trade Centre, Tripureshwor from 14th till 18th May.Read More..
- Interactive Discussion on “Domestic Violence Crime & Punishment Act 2066Interactive Discussion on “Domestic Violence Crime & Punishment Act 2066”Read More..
- Saathi Hails Domestic Violence BillSaathi as a pioneer NGO working for domestic violence since 17 years has been advocating for the passage of domestic violence (DV) legislation for more than a decade. In this process meeting with BindraHada,Read More..
- Dream Asia rises to the challengeKathmandu: A programme aimed at raising awareness about gender-based violence in Nepal will take place during next month’s AFC Challenge Cup, with the March 8 kick-off of the eight-team tournament coinciding with International Women’s Day.Read More..
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Gender and Social Inclusion: Central to the Nepal Earthquake Response
A practical resource for humanitarians, field-based practitioners, cluster coordinators, policy-makers, donors, researchers, advocates, activists and reporters to ensure a more effective and accountable response to the Nepal Earthquakes. Read More..