Kathmandu: Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda, UN Assistant Secretary General and UN Women Deputy Executive Director, joined government leaders, development partners, and women’s rights organizations for a landmark discussion on financing gender equality through Nepal’s first-ever CEDAW Roadmap.
Convened by the Ministry of Women, Children and Senior Citizens and United Nations in Nepal under leadership of Minister Sita Badi and UN Resident Coordinator Lila Pieters Yahia respectively; the dialogue reaffirmed collective commitment to advancing women’s rights through a nationally led, inclusive, and cost framework.
Nepal’s CEDAW Roadmap stands as a pioneering global example, translating international commitments into concrete, time-bound actions across sectors, with clear roles, responsibilities, and budget allocations. Developed through a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, it reflects the leadership and ownership of ministries, civil society, and grassroots of women’s organizations as co-creators of change.
Discussions including sharings from Bandana Rana, UN CEDAW Committee Member emphasized that financing is the decisive factor for implementation. Investing in gender equality is not a cost, it is fundamental to Nepal’s democratic future, economic growth, and social cohesion. From strengthening gender-responsive budgeting and accountability systems to advancing innovative financing partnerships, participants underscored the need to move from commitments to sustained, resourced action.
As Nepal advances toward LDC graduation and broader development goals, the CEDAW Roadmap offers a strategic pathway to embed gender equality across national priorities, ensuring that no woman or girl is left behind.
