"Instead of flaunting the jewelries, the women folks would do well helping in the development of country's hydropower sector by channeling their investments through cooperatives," she said.

Minister Gyawali, who was speaking at an interaction organised at the Reporters' Club in the Capital on Wednesday, said that women folks have been entangled in "religious traps" in the name of protecting Nepal's tradition and culture for long.

"The festival of Teej should be used to fight for women's right, national development and gender equality," she opined.

Similarly, Minister for Women, Children and Social Welfare Nilam KC urged women to utilise Teej not just as a festival of fun and merrymaking but spend the money meant for celebrating the festival to provide relief materials to women and children who have been victims of recent flood and landslides in the country.