Rights sought for women as workers

BY A STAFF REPORTER

Kathmandu, July 23:Women lawmakers today pledged to pressure for the enactment of additional laws and effective implementation of the existing ones to establish the rights of the female work force.

The lawmakers also demanded the March 8 be declared holiday also for women labourers working in factories and in the agriculture sector. So far, only the women employees from government offices and public enterprises are entitled to a day off on the Women’s Day.

They shared a forum at a programme organised by Nepal Trade Union Federation-GEFONT and International Labour Organisation (ILO) here today. The programme was a part of the Nepal-ILO/Japan Asian Regional Project for the expansion of employment opportunities for women.

Earlier, Ms Sadhana Adhikari, wife of late Manmohan Adhikari, launched books and cassette depicting Nepalese women’s legal and social position.

MP Bidhya Devi Bhandari said political leaders and parties had failed to create an atmosphere in which women could boost freedom and equality. She pointed out the need for all women MPs to fight for the rights of women workers from their respective places and expressed hope that all women workers would be granted leave on the March 8th.

Sabitri Bogati, MP from Nepali Congress, said that they had not been able to implement those laws formulated for the welfare of women.

GEFONT president Mukunda Neupane said that there was rampant exploitation of women and the female populace had been exposed to inequality in the feudalistic society.

Leyla Tegmo-Reddy, senior ILO advisor said that the Project aimed at socially and economically empowering women through the promotion of rural finance institutions and awareness raising training programmes.

From the chair, Bina Shrestha, GEFONT women department chief said that women MPs could play important role to ensure the rights of women workers.

Other Stories

• Some citizens more equal than others!
• Courtesy call
• NSP meet