Minister Shrestha said that indigenous women have long faced exclusion, discrimination, lack of opportunities, and multidimensional inequality in Nepal's diverse social, cultural, and historical structure.
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Minister for Women, Children and Senior Citizens, Shraddha Shrestha, has said that inclusive development is not possible without the strong, meaningful and decisive participation of indigenous women.
Speaking at a program organized on the occasion of the 25th Silver Jubilee of the National Federation of Indigenous Women, Minister Shrestha said that indigenous women have long faced exclusion, discrimination, lack of opportunities and multidimensional inequality in the social, cultural and historical diverse structure of Nepal. According to her, gender inequality, social discrimination, limited economic opportunities and cultural exclusion still exist as the main challenges of indigenous women.
'These challenges can be resolved through education, awareness-raising campaigns, community-level empowerment and institutional advocacy. However, the government's efforts alone are not enough for this. Support from the people is also needed,' she said. She also praised the role played by the National Federation of Indigenous Women in establishing the rights of indigenous women and adolescents, women with disabilities, sexual and gender minorities, endangered, highly marginalized and women deprived of services.
Established in 2054 BS, the Federation has been continuously raising the voices of indigenous women for the past 25 years. "The federation has been able to expand its organizational network at the district, provincial and central levels by including more than 50 indigenous women's organizations," she said.
She said that the Ministry of Women, Children and Senior Citizens is firmly committed to gender equality, social justice and inclusive development. Referring to the current political environment and election context, she emphasized that indigenous women should have a significant presence at the policy-making level for sustainable and inclusive development.
The program also honored individuals who have made special contributions in various fields. At the end of the program, Minister Shrestha congratulated and wished all the office bearers, members and campaigners for the 25-year journey of the National Indigenous Women's Federation.
