Nepal Constitution not progressive for women: Activists

'Constitution has failed to give women the identity they deserved,' said women rights activists

Women rights activists have claimed that the new constitution of Nepal, has failed to give women the identity they deserved and that economic empowerment was a must for women's progress.

Speaking at a programme organised by Sankalpa on Monday, Sashi Shrestha, former president of Inter Party Women's Alliance, said that the rights granted to women in the constitution were not on par with their contribution to various movements, reports the Himalayan Times.

"We have prepared a list of points that need to be amended in the constitution, which will be made public soon," she added.

She further said that as elections of local bodies approach, the local bodies must coordinate with the National Election Commission to allocate more seats to women.

Nirmala Sharma, President of Sancharika Samuha Nepal said that many provision mentioned in the Constitution have not been implemented.

"Although the constitution mandates that the cabinet must allocate 33% seats to women, the first cabinet formed after the endorsement of the new constitution did not do so," she added.