PRIDE FOR NEPAL

The Kathmandu Post

4 September 2016

PRIDE FOR NEPAL

There was a time when not many Nepali women used to show enthusiasm and interest in joining the army and other security forces. Now, the times have changed. Women’s numbers have significantly increased in the security forces. Each force has now separate units for women personnel motivating more of them to join and serve the nation and its people. Once Nepal started sending its women army members to peace keeping mission in Lebanon from 2012, their jobs as peace keepers were found to be outstanding and was praised by the UN. (UN seeks more Napali female peacekeepers” 31 August, Page 1).

The Minister for Foreign Minister Prakash Sharan Mahat said that it was a matter of pride for Nepal while receiving a visiting UN official in his office. The UN has requested Nepal to increase female participation in peace keeping operations in line with the former’s goal of having more women in its mission globally. It is said that Nepal stands at the sixth position with 4365 personnel including 96 female soldiers serving in several war affected countries. It has been recorded that since 1958, More than 110,700 Nepal Army personnel have served in UN peacekeeping missions.

Likewise, inclusive politics and empowerment of women have gradually stated bearing fruits in Nepal. Many Nepali women have achieved national and international fame. Three of them, The President, Speaker and Chief Justice have ascended to the highest echelons of the country. The country is yet to see more women ministers with key portfolios to effectively run the government. In this respect, the political parties still seem to be conservative. In the present coalition government, there are only two women ministers.

Rai Biren Bangdel

Maharajgunj

http://epaper.ekantipur.com/the-kathmandu-post/2016-09-04/7