President Bidya Devi Bhandari has underlined the need of enhancing the economic and social prestige of women for women's equality.

Addressing a special function organised by the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Welfare to mark the International Women's Day here on Wednesday, she said it is necessary to raise the economic and social standing of the women for attaining equality and their advancement.

"Special programmes on women development are being conducted in Nepal, still then the achievements are not up to the expectations," the President stated, adding that although women occupying the three top posts of the State in Nepal is a happy coincidence in the country's history, the challange still remains regarding its continuity.

Head of the State Bhandari remarked that the Constitution of Nepal has ensured the economic rights to women and the government's implementation of programmes aimed at women development continuously was an important work to that end.

She said she has felt the government preparing to open Ayurveda University in the name of the pioneering woman social reformer of Nepal, Yogmaya and starting programmes like the President Women Uplift Programme have honoured the women.

The President stressed that women should pay attention to productive works as they lagged behind in terms of the lack of access to economic resources.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Justice Sushila Karki spoke of the need of equally promoting women in the economic, social, cultural and political realms, stressing on using the rights provided by the constitution for the same.

Minister for Women, Children and Social Welfare, Kumar Khadka said the Ministry has been implementing various sorts of skill-oriented training for the economic and social development of women, which would be continued in the coming days as well.

Philanthropist Ambika Shrestha underlined the need of improving the economic status of women to attain equality.

The International Women's Day which is celebrated on 8 March every year is a day for raising awareness on women's rights and their empowerment. The Day is celebrated worldwide as the day for raising voice for the social, economic, political and cultural development of women as well as for their political rights. RSS