Nepal to Strengthen National Regulatory Process to Prevent Gender-Based Violence

Nepal’s Minister for Women, Children, Gender and Social Inclusion, Sita Badi, has assured that the government will strengthen the national regulatory process to prevent gender-based violence.

Speaking at a meeting of the Women and Social Affairs Committee under the House of Representatives at Singh Durbar on Monday, Minister Badi stated that cyber security is no longer just a matter of information technology, but also directly related to citizens’ privacy and the trust of the state.

She assured that the government will take steps to prevent gender-based violence through any medium and strengthen the national regulatory process.

Existing Laws and Policies

Minister Badi mentioned that existing laws, the National Cyber Security Policy, guidelines for the use of social media, and other policy arrangements will help control cybercrime.

She also stated that the Ministry has prioritized the use of technology to prevent gender-based violence and is moving forward with important policy and institutional initiatives.

Unified Law Against Gender-Based Violence

A concept paper has been prepared to translate the unified law against gender-based violence, which has been sent to the Ministry of Law for approval.

National Campaign Against Digital Violence

Minister Badi also mentioned that the national campaign against digital violence and digital literacy will be expanded to the federal, provincial, and local levels.

IGP Dan Bahadur Karki’s Statement

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dan Bahadur Karki stated that the irresponsible use of artificial intelligence and the prevalence of ‘hate speech’ in society have necessitated the need for stricter legal action.

IGP Karki also emphasized the need to revise the Electronic Transactions Act, which has become outdated, and to increase the time limit for investigations from 35 days to three months.

Committee Chairperson’s Statement

Chairperson of the Women and Social Affairs Committee, Akriti Awasthi, drew the government’s attention to the need for a unified law to end gender-based violence.

Lawmakers at the meeting stressed the need for the government to take serious action against cybercrime, which is on the rise.