Kathmandu: Minister for Communication and Information Technology Jagadish Kharel underscored the need for everyone to work in unison to reduce digital violence. While addressing a panel discussion themed ‘Gender-based Violence and the Role of Media’ organized by the Sancharika Samuha, Minister Kharel acknowledged the ‘dual responsibility’ bearing on female journalists to protect themselves from digital violence.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the Minister described that the dual responsibility includes ensuring their safety first and also creating a safe environment in the media sector. He suggested that news, contents, and advocacy should be free from digital violence. Noting the changing nature and forms of gender-based violence, Minister Kharel encouraged female media professionals to keep themselves safe from digital violence and called for a campaign against violence against women through digital platforms while maintaining personal safety.
Minister Kharel emphasized the urgency to hold discussions on digital violence, stating that technology has made life easier but has also brought fear. He pressed for using technology responsibly. He also noted that society and the country are gradually embracing equity and that the increasing participation of women in various fields had spurred positive outcomes.
Recalling a ‘chance’ meeting with present Prime Minister Sushila Karki and former President Bidya Devi Bhandari, the Minister shared the meetings with the two historical personalities as ‘insightful’. He recollected what the first female President of the country, Bhandari, had remarked during his meet-up, highlighting the ongoing battle of Nepali women for their careers.
Minister Kharel also mentioned that the struggles of women journalists in reaching this point are significant for Nepali media. On a different note, as the spokesperson of the government, he said that the incumbent government is working intensively to conduct elections within the stipulated time and to maintain good governance and curb corruption.
He divulged that the incumbent interim government had already taken steps to address over 25 significant corruption and irregularity cases. Also speaking on the occasion, Information Secretary Radhika Aryal expressed concern over the increasing cases of digital violence recently, echoing Minister Kharel’s call for unified efforts to reduce it.
Likewise, Sancharika Samuha’s Chairperson Kamala Panthi highlighted the effective role of media against digital violence. Participants such as Working Women Journalists Association’s Chair Ramkala Khadka and Press Council Nepal’s member Nima Kafle also called for collective efforts to reduce workplace violence and digital violence.