President Bidya Devi Bhandari has said that though there is some improvement in women's economic and social condition with the help of women-friendly legal provisions, initiatives of all sides were necessary to control violence against women and children.
During a discussion with office-bearers of the authorities concerned and experts on the matter of increasing cases of rape in the country, President Bhandari expressed concern over the incidents of violence against women and children, while laying emphasis on the need of addressing such incidents through legal provisions. The discussion was held at the Sheetal Niwas on Wednesday.
On the occasion, she said that it was necessary to make some revisions to the existing laws related to women and children in order to control VAW and heinous crimes on children.
The President was of the view that initiatives should be taken through school-level curriculum and awareness programmes to reduce rape as well as other incidents against children, adding laws should be formulated by drawing a conclusion after holding discussion among school, university and mothers. Discussion should be held on what action to take against those involved in the rape of an 18-month child, she mentioned.
Similarly, Chairperson of the National Women Commission, Kamala Parajuli, said that problems have surfaced as leaders of political parties protect those indulging in VAW. She stressed the need for constituting an all-party mechanism at the local level to reduce cases of rape and VAW.
Likewise, Nepali Congress leader Pushpa Bhusal pointed out the need of amending the discriminatory laws against women, adding punishment like the death penalty should be given against those involved in the rape of children.
Law Expert Dr Bipin Adhikari shared that the role of society is significant as the state alone could not control violence against women and children.
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