Expressing concern over discrimination, domestic violence and torture, Nepalese women rights activists on Tuesday launched a campaign for legalisation of abortion and securing equal rights to the fairer sex on parental property.
Speaking at the national convention on solidarity for gender equality, Sapana Malla and Durga Ghimire demanded the government legalise abortion, provide equal property rights to women and end all types of gender discriminations.
The Government presented Women`s Bill relating to equal rights to women in parental property and legalising abortion in the last Parliament Session. The Bill was, however, rejected by the Upper House after being ratified by the Lower House.
The Nepalese women are demanding legalisation of abortion under certain conditions such as in case of miscarriage and rape victims, a women rights activist said.
Minister for Women, Children and Social Welfare, Rajendra Kharel, assured the participants that the government would soon introduce laws to guarantee freedom and equality to women in all aspects.
"The government is moving gradually ahead to ensure women`s equality and reduce gender discrimination," he added.
According to a survey by Forum for Women, which had organised the convention, around 80 women are serving terms for abortion and "killing their own babies." Bureau Report