Nepal has made historic progress on gender equality and women’s participation in the country through constitutional changes since the democratic transition took place in 2005, KP Sharma Oli, the country’s prime minister claimed on Women’s Rights Day.

Among the achievements he recounted on Sunday were the introduction of 33 percent reservation for women in all state bodies, laws ending domestic violence against women, and granting of citizenship based on mother’s identity, reported The Himalayan Times.

Delivering a speech on the occasion, Oli said women have 33 percent reservation in parliament while it is over 41 percent in local level organizations. He also recalled that President Bhandari had collected signatures to ensure 20 percent of women's participation in CPN-UML's General Convention held in 1995 in Janakpur.

He opined that both males and females should be responsible for ensuring justice and rights to women. The government has been marking this day for the past three years in recognition of the passing of four important resolution motions on women’s rights in 2006. 

As general elections are due in November, He also took a potshot at his political opponents, alleging they were not happy with these positive changes due to the feudalistic mindset. 

Nepal President Bidya Devi Bhandari had dissolved parliament a few weeks ago and called fresh elections in the country. However, over 30 petitions are currently pending in the apex court, challenging the dissolution of the house. 

(SAM)