Take Missions To Task

It has been many years since Nepal has been seeking all avenues to ensure rapid economic development. Considering the rampant poverty in the country, economic development is the only way out to uplift the living standard of the people. In the changed global context and in face of the challenges of the new Millennium, like many other countries of the world, this Himalayan Kingdom too has been adopting a policy of economic diplomacy. On this line, the present government, led by Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala too has accorded high priority to bring in foreign investment and development assistance in sectors like hydropower, tourism and other business sectors. Quite naturally, the Nepalese diplomatic missions abroad have a major role to play in making successful this foreign policy of the country. Speaking to RSS the other day, Foreign Minister Chakra Prasad Bastola emphasised that Royal Nepalese embassies and consulates in different parts of the world have been working with dedication to bring in joint investments in different industries. At the same time they have also been encouraging foreign communities to extend development assistance to Nepal. There is no doubt the country holds immense potential in hydropower and tourism and the Nepalese economy could see a significant turn-around if these sectors are correctly tapped.

However, for economic diplomacy to succeed, an environment of peace within the country is also essential. The same holds true in the country’s dealings with other nations. Quite pragmatically Foreign Minister Bastola pointed out that Nepal has been adopting "peaceful diplomacy" side by side with her economic diplomacy policy. Giving an example, he said Nepal had demonstrated to the world its "peaceful diplomacy" in trying to resolve the Bhutanese refugee issue with which it has been burdened for about a decade now. The successful repatriation of the refugees to their homeland would be a marked achievement in Nepal’s diplomatic efforts. However, it is also true that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the missions under it have a crucial role to play in fulfilling these lofty objectives of the nation. From giving continuity to Nepal’s friendly relations with all the countries of the world, to increasing investments and exports, foreign policy covers all such vital sectors in the present day world. Quite naturally, it is imperative that the diplomatic missions abroad too be physically well equipped and backed up with proper logistics, so that they can play an effective role in making the government’s policies a success.

Women’s Welfare

It is said that men and women are two wheels of a chariot. However it is a sad fact that a proper balance has not been struck in the attitude of the society while dealing with the two sexes. Most of the time, women, right from the time of their birth, are deprived of facilities which most males take for granted. In Nepal also, the rights of women had been curtailed for a long time. However with the establishment of democracy in the country, a lot of avenues have been opened by the democratic Constitution of the country to provide women equal rights. In recent years, more efforts have been made to uplift the status of women in the society. Speaking at the inaugural function of a two day workshop on affirmative action programme for women organised by the Sushma Koirala Memorial Trust and Arbeiterwohlfahrt of Germany the other day, Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala rightly pointed out that the role of every citizen is equal in the development efforts of the nation. Therefore, it is only right that the women should also be given equal status in society so that they too can make an effective contribution for the development of the nation and also live a life of dignity.

His Majesty’s Government has been making efforts to help the women within the country, and this can be seen from the steps taken to develop new infrastructures for the education, income generation, employment and skill-oriented programmes for women. Furthermore, just a couple of years back, a separate Ministry for Women and Social Welfare was also established for a similar purpose. Looking at the actual scenario in Nepal, it has been found that women actually put in more work than men, both in the rural and urban areas. Considering this, it is an irony that the women folks do not have access to facilities in different sectors and at the same time, are also suffering from economic and social disadvantages. It is encouraging now that both the government and NGOs are involved in correcting this lop-sided situation for the benefit of all. It can be hoped the present seminar will contribute significantly for the overall protection of women’s rights.