Gender Health Justice

Nepal, a democratic republican state with major political and social transition in recent days, has not been an easy place for women especially tackling gender issues. Gender issues like sex preference of new born child leading to infanticide and feticide, women's access to (reproductive) health services, women empowerment in terms of social, economic and political aspect, deep rooted gender based violence are either not addressed or insufficiently addressed. The interim constitution of Nepal, 2007 AD includes provision for addressing gender equality and social inclusion. The gender issue has been addressed under fundamental rights. When it comes to the commitment of political parties towards gender and particularly gender health issue, very few agendas are reflected in their manifestos. These issues are sidelined and fail to be the prioritized in terms of political view. PHM outlines that physical, social, economic and political factors play an important role in determining access to sexual and reproductive health services and attainment of sexual and reproductive rights. It requires effective advocacy and strong political commitment to make gender sensitive provisions and to design the implementing framework.