UN calls for increased women’s participation in peace process

July 3, 2006 - (Kantipur Report) United Nations has called the government, the political parties and the Maoists to increase women’s representation in the ongoing peace process.

“Clearly the active participation of women was crucial to the success of the recent people’s movement. For the peace process to also succeed, women’s participation is absolutely necessary,” a statement issued by the UN on Monday quoted Junko Sazaki, the UN acting resident co-ordinator, as saying.

The UN also welcomed the House of Representatives’ declaration made last month, which calls for 33% of civil service jobs for women and gives citizenship to children born to Nepali mothers. “Including women in the peace process is not negotiable. It is their right,” stressed Sazaki, adding,“This means their inclusion in the high-level peace talks, constitutional drafting committee and all other related committees, as well as in the Government, the Parliament and the Peace Secretariat must be guaranteed.”

Sazaki made the remarks while meeting with members of Women in Alliance (a group representing major political parties and civil society organizations) who requested the UN’s support in ensuring that Nepali women are actively engaged in the ongoing peace process on Friday, the statement said.

The UN is advocating and working to promote Nepali women’s greater economic, social and political inclusion through numerous programmes and projects carried out by its partners and specialized UN agencies.

From: http://www.kantipuronline.com/kolnews.php?&nid=78555