The gender equality project to receive Norway’s backing, is run by the Inter Party Women’s Alliance (IPWA). The alliance, formed in 2006, is an initiative of politically active women leaders of the 15 mainstream political parties. IPWA was formed in the midst of the “people’s movement” to facilitate between party leaders, government and parliament to address women issues.
“There will be no peace without the real and meaningful involvement of women. - We will therefore take this opportunity to support IPWA to strengthen women’s position in politics and in the peace process in Nepal”, says Norway’s Ambassador to Nepal, Alf Arne Ramslien.
Discrimination against women in Nepal is a profound problem, and changing the legislation is paramount. However, gender discrimination is deeply rooted in cultural and religious practises, which also calls for measures aimed at changing attitudes and perceptions.
The women movement’s perhaps greatest victory, was securing a 33 percent woman representation in the Constituent Assembly in 2008. However, the female members of the CA experience that discussing gender-related issues in relation to the ongoing peace process and constitution writing is very difficult. Also, under-representation and little participation of women in leadership positions means women’s interests are not sufficiently spoken for at the highest level.
“With the Norwegian support, we are able to launch a much needed project that aims to ensure maximum women participation at all levels of state mechanisms. With Norway’s support we are committed to make a change in women’s access to political and legal power and ensure the success of this project,” says Prativa Rana, a member of Parliament and Chairperson of IPWA. – “We will show that we can do this by working together across party lines.”
IPWA will receive grants totalling 3 million kroner for a time period of three years. The support will be used for a number of undertakings, including lobbying and interaction with policy-makers, hosting local, regional and national-level workshops, media forums, and training seminars. The primary target group of this project is the IPWA central committee members, district and local network members of the parties from all the 75 districts of the country.