KATHMANDU: The Government of Nepal has formed a committee to implement the UN CEDAW Committee’s recommendations, Minister Nawal Kishor Sah Sudi announced during a discussion with lawmakers organized by the Forum for Women, Law and Development (FWLD).

Chaired by Bandana Rana, the committee will oversee implementation within four years. The 80 recommendations are being translated into Nepali and local languages to reach rural communities.

Minister Sudi said Nepal has made progress in gender equality but acknowledged ongoing challenges.

Lawmakers emphasized the need for stronger laws, noting that only limited bills—on human trafficking and children’s rights—are in progress.

They criticized low engagement in committee meetings and the delay in forming a Women’s Coordination Committee in Parliament.

Advocate Sabin Shrestha of FWLD pointed to legal gaps, including the lack of clear definitions of discrimination and legal aid laws. He stressed the need for training and local language access.

Representing the Finnish Embassy in Nepal, Kamana Gurung called for inclusive lawmaking aligned with global standards and pledged continued support.

FWLD President Geeta Aryal chaired the session, where a report from 106 Nepali NGOs was also highlighted, marking 35 years since Nepal ratified CEDAW.