The Ministry of Peace and Reconstruction on Thursday formally launched a set of national action plans in line with the United Nations Security Council's resolution on women, peace and security.
The plans, endorsed by the government on February 1, make Nepal the first country in South Asia to adopt a national policy in line with UN resolutions.
The country is now part of the 24-member club of UN member states that have adopted the plans –– developed through a collaborative process by including women and girls affected by conflict, civil societies and development partners.
Resolution 1820, the first Security Council resolution to recognise sexual violence as a warfare tactic, states that the issue is critical to maintain peace and security, the ministry said.
Countries adopting the policy are to take specific action to accelerate the implementation of five Security Council resolutions–– including resolution 1325 and 1820 on women, peace and security.
The action plans underscore the link between women's affected by conflict and maintenance of international peace.
For Nepal, a country that has just emerged from decade-long conflict, the resolution offers a guidance on women's inclusion in the reconstruction of the country, the ministry stated.
It will also provide women platforms to voice their concerns about conflict resolution, peace negotiations and nation-building.
The action plans became necessary after women rights activists said they were ignored during the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Accord that officially ended the conflict.
