Women’s Health and Gender Equity Focus in Nepal

March 10, 2006—From rallies to workshops, Kathmandu set the scene for promoting Nepalese women’s health and legal rights during International Women’s Day March 8.

Recognizing the significance of women in need, CEDPA marched with other women’s groups in Nepal’s capitol to promote gender equity. At the rally’s closing ceremony, women representing their communities and organizations shared stories about advocating for equal participation in the nation’s development.

Nepal faces major struggles in gender equality and women’s health issues. Although women have had voting rights since 1951, only six percent of elected government officials are women. And, more women die in pregnancy and childbirth in Nepal than anywhere else in South Asia due to limited access to health care and family planning services.

At a March 10 workshop on Nepalese women’s reproductive health and rights, CEDPA Country Director Chhatra Amatya suggested that organizations work towards improving women’s access to health services. She proposed that these groups share their experiences to identify the cultural issues that contribute to early marriage and pregnancy. Amatya also encouraged the Ministry of Health and Population to step up their efforts and initiate discussion among organizations with similar goals.

CEDPA/Nepal works to empower women and girls to live healthier lives and become full partners in the development of their communities. Working hand-in-hand with organizations and community leaders in Nepal, CEDPA has provided women and girls with the knowledge, resources and skills to advocate for their social, educational and reproductive health needs.

The United Nations established International Women’s Day in 1977 to celebrate the progress nations have made in advancing equality for women.

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