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US President Donald Trump on Friday renewed his criticism of Ukraine’s approach to his diplomatic push to end the war, saying that it has been “easier” to deal with Moscow, while claiming that his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin wants to get the war “stopped and settled”, The Indian Express reported.

“I’m finding it more difficult, frankly, to deal with Ukraine, and they don’t have the cards,” he said addressing reporters at the Oval Office.

Trump has been stressing for weeks that Ukraine’s position in the conflict is weak and dependent on US support.

The US president underscored his earlier statement threatening Russia with sanctions and tariffs for bombing Ukraine, saying that he is “trying to help” Kyiv.

“Ukraine has to get on the ball and get a job done,” he said, according to The Indian  Express.

Trump also warned Russia, saying it(Russia) “is bombing the hell out of Ukraine” – and that he’s told them they “can’t do that”.

“I think he’s doing what anyone else would do – he’s hitting them harder than he’s been hitting them, and anyone in that position would be doing right now,” Trump said, describing Russian attacks.

“And I think probably anybody in that position would be doing that right now. He wants to get it ended. And I think Ukraine wants to get it ended, but I don’t see – it’s crazy. They’re taking tremendous punishment. I don’t quite get it.”

This comes hour after Trump announced ‘considering sanctions’ on Russia after bombardment of Ukraine.

In a post on Truth Social, Donald Trump appeared to criticise Russia’s latest bombardment.

He posted: “Based on the fact that Russia is absolutely ‘pounding’ Ukraine on the battlefield right now, I am strongly considering large scale Banking Sanctions, Sanctions, and Tariffs on Russia until a Cease Fire and FINAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT ON PEACE IS REACHED.

Trump’s vague threat was in contrast to the punitive steps he has already taken against Ukraine, including an end to US military supplies announced earlier this week and the intelligence shutdown.

Public spaces should be safe for everyone, yet countless women continue to face daily threats to their safety and dignity. As we celebrate Women’s Day, it is imperative to shine a light on the persistent challenges women encounter in the real world. From public harassment and workplace discrimination to online abuse, these issues are not only widespread but often deeply embedded in societal structures, making the fight for safety and equality an ongoing struggle. The reality is that women’s safety is not just a women’s issue—it is a societal issue that requires collective action, systemic change, and a commitment to dismantling the structures that perpetuate inequality and violence.

For many women, leaving their homes is an act of courage. Street harassment, ranging from catcalling to physical intimidation, remains one of the most common forms of gender-based violence. A staggering majority of women worldwide report experiencing some form of harassment in public spaces. Whether it’s on public transportation, in parks, or simply walking down the street, women are often subjected to unwanted attention, comments, or even physical contact. Despite its prevalence, legal frameworks to address these issues remain inadequate, leaving many women to navigate these threats alone.

Prerna Shakya, a 22-year-old professional, shared a harrowing experience: “Once, while on a bus, an elderly man tried to inappropriately touch me. I froze, unsure how to react, but a brave woman intervened. She pushed him away and stayed with me until I felt safe.” Shakya expressed her initial helplessness, adding, “It felt like some elderly people, lacking awareness, tried to exploit you. I realized that women need to take action in such situations—something I couldn’t do then but am prepared to do now.”

This incident highlights the importance of bystander intervention and community support. However, it also underscores the need for systemic change, including better enforcement of laws and public awareness campaigns to educate people about the impact of harassment. Women should not have to rely on the bravery of strangers to feel safe in public spaces.

While progress has been made in promoting gender inclusivity, the workplace remains a battleground for many women. Pay inequities, the glass ceiling, and rampant sexual harassment continue to hinder women’s career advancement. Fear of retaliation often silences those who wish to report misconduct, perpetuating a culture of impunity. Many women are forced to endure hostile work environments because they cannot afford to lose their jobs or fear the social stigma associated with speaking out.

Natasha Shrestha (a pseudonym), a student working at a small tile shop, recounted her ordeal: “When I started working here three months ago, the shop owner asked me out for coffee. When I declined, his behavior turned hostile.” She added, “I can’t afford to leave this job due to financial instability, and I fear that complaining would cost me my job. That’s why I don’t want to reveal my name.” Her story is a stark reminder of the countless untold experiences of workplace harassment faced by women.

To address these issues, companies must adopt stricter anti-harassment policies, provide safe channels for reporting misconduct, and foster a culture of accountability. Leadership opportunities for women should be prioritized, and pay equity must be enforced to ensure that women are not disadvantaged in their careers. Legal frameworks that hold companies accountable for gender discrimination and harassment are critical to creating a more inclusive and equitable workplace.

Even in the digital age, the internet, while a platform for empowerment, has become a breeding ground for online harassment. Cyberstalking, non-consensual image sharing, and explicit messages disproportionately target women, undermining their sense of security in virtual spaces. An undergraduate student shared her experience: “I once received explicit images and inappropriate messages from a stranger using a celebrity’s profile picture. It was deeply disturbing and made me realize how vulnerable we are online. I now advise others to be cautious—avoid sharing personal information and be wary of adding strangers on social media.”

Her experience is echoed by countless women who face similar threats in digital spaces. Online harassment not only affects women’s mental health but also restricts their freedom to express themselves and participate fully in the digital world. Experts emphasize the need for stronger penalties for digital harassment and better enforcement of existing laws to protect women’s rights online. Social media platforms must also take responsibility by implementing stricter policies and tools to combat abuse.

Countries around the world have taken steps to address these issues, offering models for reform. In Japan, women-only train cars during peak hours have been introduced to protect women from harassment in crowded trains. Similarly, South Korea has implemented women-only taxis and designated floors in public places like parks to ensure women’s safety. Mexico and India have also introduced women-only transportation options and emergency helplines to provide immediate assistance to those in need.

Technological innovations are also playing a crucial role in enhancing women’s safety. Panic buttons, GPS-tracking safety apps, and AI-driven threat detection systems are empowering women to navigate public spaces with greater confidence. These tools, combined with educational initiatives aimed at shifting societal perceptions of gender equality, are essential in the fight to ensure women’s safety in both physical and digital spaces.

Education is a powerful tool in the fight for gender equality and women’s safety. Laxmi Sharma, Under-secretary of the Law Section at the National Women’s Commission, emphasized the importance of education and community involvement. “Women often hesitate to report harassment, which is why reported cases appear low. Educating parents and communities is essential to raising awareness and fostering a supportive environment for women.”

In rural areas, where girls are often denied access to education, the lack of awareness about women’s rights and safety is particularly concerning. By ensuring that girls receive an education and are informed about their rights, we can empower them to stand up against harassment and discrimination. Parents and community leaders also play a crucial role in challenging harmful stereotypes and promoting gender equality from an early age.

Dinesh Kumar Acharya, Deputy Inspector General of Nepal Police (DIG), noted a decline in reported cases of public harassment, attributing it to the efforts of NGOs and awareness campaigns. “We are working with organizations to raise awareness, including teaching students about ‘good touch’ and ‘bad touch.’ In the 2023/2024 fiscal year, only two cases were reported, which is a positive sign,” he said. However, experts stress the need for stronger penalties for digital harassment and more robust corporate policies to combat workplace discrimination and harassment.

Gita Neupane, a counselor at The Women’s Foundation Nepal, emphasized the importance of legal support. “Many girls experience harassment but are too scared to speak up, which only perpetuates the problem. While we don’t directly handle such cases, we provide legal support to those who seek our help. Every woman has the right to feel safe in public spaces, and authorities must take stricter actions to address this issue.”

Article 18 (1) of the Constitution of Nepal, 2015 states: All citizens shall be equal before law. No person shall be denied the equal protection of law.

Article 38 of the charter states that no physical, mental, sexual and psychological or other any type of violent act or exploitation shall be inflicted against women on the ground of religious, social, cultural traditions, practices or on any other grounds. In particular, clause 4 of that article gives women the right to participate in all bodies of the State on the basis of the principle of proportional inclusion, clause 5 grants them the right to obtain special opportunity in education, health, employment and social security on the basis of positive discrimination whereas clause 6 gives the spouse the equal right to property and family affairs. 

While our modern laws “guarantee” equal rights, roles and opportunities for women in every walk of life, even scriptures offer their utmost respect to women and girls while likening the male and the female to the wheels of a chariot. They argue that gods become happy where there’s respect for women.

Despite such guarantees and sweet words, women and girls remain far from the forefront in every walk of national life, though there are some exceptions. After the promulgation of the 2015 constitution, the country has got, apart from a head of the state, more women representatives in the parliament, in state assemblies and at local levels. These positives notwithstanding, things have not changed much for women and girls in our country. These days also, women and girls remain unsafe in urban spaces as well as in villages. For them, educational and career opportunities are still few and far between. What’s more, the exodus of men and boys has put heavier burdens on women and girls. 

National gender equality policy (2077) describes changing social structure and mindset, increasing decisive role of women leaders, gender mainstreaming in the state's public policy, increasing access to justice by eliminating gender violence, eliminating harmful customs and traditions, internalization and institutionalization of gender issues at federal, provincial and local level, balancing women's natural, professional and social roles, benefitting particular target groups, social transformation including gender equality by eliminating all kinds of discriminations against women and adolescents through development of gender-responsive governance as the challenges (in bringing about gender equality).  

A pretty long list of challenges, isn’t it?

Overcoming these challenges and having women and girls in the driving seat is a tough challenge that will require our talking heads to walk the talk. 

Relentless pressure from the society, including independent media, will be necessary to make them deliver on their promises and guarantees. Let the International Women’s Day (March 8) inspire us all to march into a future where equality is the norm, not the exception.

Nepal’s sex workers, especially females, continue to face systemic discrimination, criminalization and social stigma despite growing calls for legal reforms and recognition of their rights. A comprehensive report submitted to the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) by multiple sex worker-led organizations and advocacy groups reveals widespread injustices, including arbitrary arrests, police brutality, lack of access to justice and exclusion from healthcare and social security systems.

The report prepared by Sex Workers and Allies South Asia (SWASA), Jagriti Mahila Mahasangh (JMMS), Nari Chetna Samaj (NCS/SWAN) and 17 other grassroots organizations highlights how Nepal’s current legal framework conflates consensual sex work with human trafficking, leading to severe human rights violations. The organizations urge the government to decriminalize sex work and implement policies that protect sex workers from abuse and exploitation.

Sex work in Nepal exists in a legal gray area—it is neither explicitly legalized nor outright criminalized. However, the Human Trafficking and Transportation (Control) Act, 2007 and the National Penal Code treat sex work as an offense by criminalizing solicitation, brothel ownership, and third-party involvement.

The conflation of voluntary adult sex work with human trafficking has resulted in severe misapplications of the law. Many sex workers have been arrested under public decency laws, accused of engaging in trafficking or harassed for merely carrying condoms—often used as “evidence” of solicitation.

According to the report, sex workers often experience arbitrary arrests and detentions, with many routinely apprehended under Section 119 of the National Penal Code, which criminalizes solicitation, and Section 4(1) of the Human Trafficking Act, which wrongfully categorizes all sex work as trafficking. These legal provisions have been widely misused to target sex workers rather than to address actual cases of human trafficking.

Additionally, police extortion and harassment are rampant, with many sex workers reporting that they are forced to pay bribes to avoid arrest. Per the report, law enforcement officers often threaten to expose their identities to families and communities, leveraging social stigma as a means of coercion. This fear of public shaming and familial rejection further isolates sex workers and prevents them from seeking legal protection.

The report also highlights the discriminatory application of laws, where sex workers are frequently targeted under anti-trafficking statutes, while the real perpetrators of human trafficking often evade justice due to weak enforcement mechanisms. Instead of focusing on traffickers, law enforcement prioritizes punitive actions against sex workers, reinforcing a cycle of victimization rather than addressing the root causes of trafficking and exploitation.

“Sex workers are criminalized not because of any harm they cause, but because of moral and social stigma,” says Shanti Tiwari from SWASA Nepal. “This pushes them into more vulnerable conditions, making them easy targets for violence and exploitation.”

The report documents numerous instances of police brutality against sex workers, detailing how law enforcement officers frequently engage in physical and sexual abuse. Many sex workers report being beaten, harassed or even forced to perform sexual favors in exchange for their release. Such abuses not only violate fundamental human rights but also contribute to the deepening stigma and fear within the sex worker community.

Illegal detentions and raids are also common, with more than 55 sex workers forcibly taken to so-called “rescue homes” between 2022 and 2024. These operations, carried out by anti-trafficking NGOs in collaboration with police, often occur without the consent of those being detained. Instead of providing support or protection, these forced rescues further marginalize sex workers, subjecting them to confinement and, in some cases, even mistreatment under the guise of rehabilitation.  

Additionally, violations of privacy and forced outings are widespread. “Police officers frequently threaten to disclose a sex worker’s identity to their families or communities as a means of coercion,” Tiwari says. “This tactic not only places sex workers at risk of social exclusion and family rejection but also discourages them from reporting abuses or seeking legal help, effectively trapping them in a cycle of vulnerability and fear.”

The report submitted to CEDAW highlights that over 25 percent of reported violence cases against sex workers in Nepal were perpetrated by police. Another 15 percent involved anti-trafficking NGOs who, instead of assisting victims of trafficking, have been accused of unlawful detentions and forced rehabilitation.

One case study in the report details how a sex worker in Kathmandu was arrested under a public decency law while simply waiting for a bus. She was detained overnight, forced to pay a bribe and later released without any formal charges. “They told me I was loitering and accused me of soliciting clients. But I was just trying to go home,” she recounts.

The report calls for law enforcement reforms, including sensitivity training and legal distinctions between consensual sex work and human trafficking.

Access to healthcare remains a significant challenge for sex workers in Nepal, with many avoiding medical services due to fear of discrimination from healthcare providers. The report submitted to CEDAW highlights several concerning trends in this regard. 

One major issue is the denial of medical services, with some hospitals and clinics refusing to treat sex workers once their profession is known. Additionally, many sex workers are subjected to forced HIV testing without their informed consent, violating their privacy and autonomy. Furthermore, sex workers often face difficulties accessing reproductive healthcare, including contraception and safe abortion services, putting them at a higher risk of unintended pregnancies and unsafe abortions.

According to Tiwari, legal barriers prevent sex workers from enrolling in government health programs. “Since citizenship certificates are often required for medical services, many sex workers—who lack proper identification—are denied healthcare altogether,” she says.

One HIV-positive sex worker in rural Nepal was reportedly expelled from her village after her status came to light. “The doctor violated my confidentiality. When my neighbors found out, they forced me to leave,” she shared.

The report recommends that the government implement gender-sensitive health care policies, ensure confidentiality, and remove citizenship requirements for accessing essential health services.

A staggering 63 percent of sex workers in Nepal lack citizenship certificates, rendering them effectively stateless. “Without these essential documents, they face significant barriers in accessing basic rights and services,” Tiwari says. “They are unable to vote in elections, open bank accounts, enroll their children in school or access government welfare programs, further marginalizing them from society and denying them the opportunities that citizenship provides.”

Under the Citizenship Act, a woman can only pass on citizenship to her child if the father is unknown and she provides a formal declaration. This disproportionately affects sex workers, many of whom are single mothers or have been abandoned by their partners. “I wanted to enroll my son at school, but they asked for my citizenship. Without it, he cannot study,” says a sex worker from Nawalparasi.

The report submitted to CEDAW urges the government to reform citizenship laws to ensure that sex workers and their children are not left stateless.

Sex workers and their children face significant barriers in accessing education. Many children of sex workers are denied school admission due to their mother’s profession, while others are expelled if they lack birth certificates. Higher education also remains out of reach for these children as universities require a citizenship certificate for enrollment.

Additionally, Labour Act 2017 does not recognize sex work as a form of labor, meaning sex workers are excluded from labor protections, social security benefits and workplace rights. “The government says we are criminals, but at the same time, they refuse to provide us with alternative livelihoods,” says a sex worker from Kathmandu. “If we are to leave this work, where do we go?”

The submission outlines several key recommendations for the government to address the challenges facing sex workers. These include decriminalizing sex work by removing punitive laws against sex workers, clients and third parties. It also recommends amending trafficking laws to clearly distinguish between consensual sex work and human trafficking. The submission calls for ensuring police accountability by investigating and prosecuting law enforcement officers who abuse sex workers. 

Additionally, it emphasizes the need to provide legal recognition and protections, such as granting citizenship, labor rights and access to justice. Finally, the report urges the government to improve healthcare and social security access by removing legal and bureaucratic barriers that prevent sex workers from accessing essential services.