Kathmandu: The first Women Police Conference has commenced today in Kathmandu, bringing together 200 women police personnel from across the country.
The two-day event aimed at promoting inclusion, empowerment, and gender equality within the police organization.
Inaugurating the conference, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak highlighted the growing role and competence of women in the Nepal Police.
He said that women currently constitute 12 percent of the force, a significant increase that began following the establishment of the republic system after the 2006 People’s Movement.
“The policy of inclusion has been central to building an inclusive society in the new republic,” Minister Lekhak said. “The State has adopted a special approach that has brought several benefits to citizens.”
He pointed out that a 20 percent reservation is currently ensured in the Nepal Police and pledged to increase the participation of women from 12 percent to 20 percent, with a long-term goal of reaching 33 percent representation.
Expressing concern over rising incidents of rape and sexual violence, he said that women and girls are disproportionately affected. He stressed the need for mainstreaming women’s participation across all mechanisms of the State, with a focus on equality, empowerment, and opportunity.
Supreme Court Justice Sapana Pradhan Malla stressed that police officers are primary justice providers for survivors of violence and offences.
Praising women police for breaking stereotypes about their capabilities, she urged the Nepal Police to entrust women with responsibilities such as VIP and VVIP security.
She also celebrated the current 12.41 percent participation rate of women in the police force.
Attorney General Ramesh Badal expressed hope that the conference would provide valuable recommendations for the State, especially in identifying and addressing discriminatory provisions, and suggested ways to empower women within the force.
Chairperson of the Nepal Women Commission, Kamala Parajuli, stressed the need for enacting supportive laws and policies to encourage women to pursue careers in the Nepal Police.
Secretary at the Ministry of Women, Children, and Senior Citizens, Laxmi Kumari Basnet, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to coordinate and cooperate in combating rising violence against women, girls, and senior citizens.
Nepal Police AIG Rajan Adhikari stated that the participation of women from diverse backgrounds and responsibilities at the conference reflects the progress made in implementing inclusive policies within the force.
The conference will feature presentations of 10 working papers and several panel discussions, covering topics such as the role of women in policing, health and well-being, financial literacy, and cyber security.
The event will conclude with the adoption of a “Kathmandu Declaration,” which will encompass recommendations on constitutional provisions, relevant laws, policies of the Ministry of Home Affairs, action plans, and gender policies of the Nepal Police, according to AIG Adhikari.
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