Nepal’s first-ever young women-led Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) Shadow Report was unveiled at an event in Kathmandu. Organized by Yuwalaya, a youth-led organization advocating for gender equality, in collaboration with Plan International Nepal, the initiative highlights the challenges young women face across the country.

Young women aged 18-25 from all seven provinces played a key role in leading the report, which was developed through provincial discussions. The findings expose gaps in Nepal’s gender policies, particularly affecting marginalized communities, and call on the government and global stakeholders to take action.  

Key stakeholders, including representatives from the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the National Women Commission, the National Youth Council, and the National Human Rights Commission, attended the event alongside national and international civil society organizations and embassies.  

Speaking at the event, Yuwalaya President Dharma Raj Rimal emphasized the need for immediate action. “We don’t need to wait for ministers to start the equality movement. Change can begin in our workplaces, homes, and classrooms,” he said.