Fighting Social Evils

Though all the children regardless of class, gender, colour and ethnic background are said to receive equal treatment in terms of facilities provided by the state, this does not seem to be so in practice. Different conventions on the rights of children have been signed but when it comes to implementation part, little has been done so far in South Asia, including Nepal. This is known to be the most gender insensitive region in the world where girls and boys face different realities, choices and opportunities solely because of gender differences. Girls and women face harsh discrimination that comprises their right to survival, growth, development, protection and participation. Girls in South Asia do not have the same access to education, health, nutrition and right to make decisions as boys. In the context of Nepal, the country faces high maternal mortality rates, girl trafficking, prostitution, violence against women, HIV/AIDS and a rising number of street children. Nepal does not stand at par with other South Asian countries in terms of health care, nutrition, education and age of marriage. Therefore, the concerned authority should come up with concrete strategies to tackle these social evils.

Anju Acharya
Tinkune, Kathmandu