Government Must Publicly Apologize to Women: Geeta Gurung

May 25, Kathmandu – Nepali Congress lawmaker Geeta Gurung has urged the government to issue a public apology to women who have suffered due to harmful traditions and discriminatory laws. Speaking at Tuesday’s meeting of the House of Representatives, she stated, “The government’s apology should not remain mere words; it must encompass guaranteed women’s representation, economic dignity, and empowerment.”

MP Gurung emphasized the need for the Nepalese government to formally apologize for the pain endured by women because of past customs and prejudicial legal provisions. She drew attention to the absence of women’s issues in the government’s policy and program.

“We carefully reviewed the government’s policy and program and found that women’s issues are not specifically addressed,” she remarked. Suggesting the inclusion of a budget that ensures justice for women from both urban and rural areas, she added, “The upcoming budget should enable women suffering from traditional abuses in rural regions and those engaged in industries and various professions in urban markets to experience justice.”

Gurung expressed the view that until women’s contributions are appropriately recognized, the country’s democracy remains incomplete. She recalled that the first democratically elected Prime Minister, B.P. Koirala, appointed Dwarikadevi Thakurani from Baitadi as Health Assistant Minister, highlighting, “She was not only Nepal’s but South Asia’s first female minister.”