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 is aimed at promoting inclusion, empowerment, and gender equality within the police organization.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the conference was inaugurated by Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, who highlighted the growing role and competence of women in the Nepal Police. He stated that women currently constitute 12 percent of the force, a notable increase following the establishment of the republic system after the 2006 People’s Movement. Minister Lekhak emphasized the importance of the policy of inclusion in building an inclusive society in the new republic and noted the State’s commitment to increasing women’s participation in the police force to 20 percent, with a long-term goal of achieving 33 percent representation.
Minister Lekhak also expressed concern over the rising incidents of rape and sexual violence, pointing out that women and girls are disproportionately affected. He stressed the need for mainstreaming women’s participation across all State mechanisms, with a focus on equality, empowerment, and opportunity.
Supreme Court Justice Sapana Pradhan Malla, speaking at the event, highlighted the role of police officers as primary justice providers for survivors of violence. She praised women police for breaking stereotypes and urged the Nepal Police to entrust women with responsibilities such as VIP and VVIP security. She noted the current 12.41 percent participation rate of women in the police force as a positive development.
Attorney General Ramesh Badal expressed hope that the conference would provide valuable recommendations for the State, particularly in identifying and addressing discriminatory provisions. He suggested ways to further empower women within the force.
Kamala Parajuli, Chairperson of the Nepal Women Commission, emphasized the necessity of enacting supportive laws and policies to encourage women to pursue careers in the Nepal Police. Meanwhile, Secretary at the Ministry of Women, Children, and Senior Citizens, Laxmi Kumari Basnet, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to coordinate efforts in combating rising violence against women, girls, and senior citizens.
Nepal Police AIG Rajan Adhikari stated that the diverse participation of women at the conference reflects progress in implementing inclusive policies within the force. The event will feature presentations of 10 working papers and panel discussions on topics such as the role of women in policing, health and well-being, financial literacy, and cyber security.
The conference will conclude with the adoption of a “Kathmandu Declaration,” encompassing 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.