Minister Shradha Shrestha Unveils 100-Day Progress Report on Policy Reform and Social Empowerment
24th March 2026, Kathmandu
Minister for Women, Children, and Senior Citizens, Shradha Shrestha, has stated that notable achievements have been made in policy reform, service delivery, and social empowerment within a short period of assuming office.
Minister Shradha 100-Day Progress Report
While presenting her 100-day progress report, Minister Shrestha noted that although her tenure was brief, it was extensive and deeply enriching in terms of learning and experience.
Drawing on her previous work in the tourism sector, she mentioned that while she was already familiar with issues concerning women, persons with disabilities, and gender and sexual minorities, her ministerial role allowed her to engage with these issues in much greater depth.
She highlighted that her tenure provided valuable insight into the complexities of policymaking in the social sector, the importance of institutional coordination, and the challenges in improving service delivery. She emphasized that during this period, the Ministry advanced several key initiatives focused on election-centered policy reforms, institutional strengthening, and improvements in direct service delivery.
According to Minister Shrestha, the programs initiated during this period can be further strengthened and sustained to more effectively promote the rights and empowerment of women, children, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and gender and sexual minorities.
She stressed that the Ministry’s achievements extend beyond physical outputs, encompassing social transformation and behavioral change, and underscored the need for continued collaboration with media, civil society, and stakeholders.
She expressed gratitude to all stakeholders, including federal, provincial, and local governments, ministry officials, activists, rights advocates, development partners, and media professionals, for their contributions that enabled these achievements.
Minister Shrestha also extended her appreciation to Prime Minister Sushila Karki for entrusting her with the responsibility of leading the Ministry during a challenging period.
Having assumed office on Mangsir 26, Minister Shrestha presented the progress report covering reforms in policy, institutional structures, and service delivery achieved up to Chaitra 8. She noted that the Ministry made significant progress in advancing inclusive governance, gender equality, and social justice.
The report highlights that policy formulation and reform were prioritized over the past three months. Notably, the National Policy Against Human Trafficking, 2082, has been approved and is now under implementation. In addition, several key frameworks have been approved, including the National Gender Audit Procedure, 2082, the Project Facilitation procedure for International Non-Governmental Organizations,2082, the Child-Responsive Budget Coding and Management Procedure, 2082, and the Women Entrepreneur Advancement Award Procedure, 2082.
Furthermore, a draft National Roadmap for the Effective Implementation of CEDAW has been approved, translating the majority of the Convention’s recommendations into concrete, time-bound actions.
Likewise, drafts of key policy instruments such as the National Action Plan Against Gender-Based Violence, Guidelines on Dignified Menstruations, Amendments to the Human Trafficking and Transportation (Control) Regulations, 2082 and the National Child Policy 2080 Implementation Action Plan have been prepared.
In the area of service delivery, significant progress has been made. A separate juvenile correction home has been established in Nuwakot Prison, and 81 juveniles above 18 years of age have been transferred from Bhaktapur and Parsa juvenile correction centres.
Likewise, a decision has been taken to establish a child daycare center in Bhaktapur. Additionally, 19 high-risk pregnant and postpartum women from remote areas were rescued via helicopter.
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A hotline service (1115), operated by the Ministry of Health and Population, has been utilized to provide health-related information and services to senior citizens. Efforts have also been made to standardize disability and senior citizen identity cards across all 753 local levels. Accessibility measures, including the use of Braille-embossed boards and visiting cards, have been introduced at the Ministry.
To enhance transparency and efficiency, a digital service delivery system for project approval, along with monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, has been launched at the Social Welfare Council.
Social Development experts have been appointed as members of the council, and an integrated office management system(GIOMS) has been introduced within the Ministry. Likewise, to address financial risks and ensure compliance, the ministry is working on drafting a directive on anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing for non-profit organizations (2082).
At the international level, Nepal has reinforced its commitment to gender equality and social justice. During the 70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) held in New York (Falgun 25–Chaitra 5), Nepal actively presented its achievements, ongoing efforts, and challenges.
Nepal also participated in multiple side events focusing on ending child marriage, reducing gender-based violence, advancing sexual and reproductive health rights, improving access to justice, and investing in adolescent girls, while reaffirming its commitment to international cooperation.
Bilateral engagements were held with representatives from the United States, European Union, China, and India, as well as UN agencies and development partners, focusing on human trafficking, social development, and women’s empowerment.
The Ministry also prioritized making elections more inclusive, safe, and participatory. It coordinated with the Election Commission, political parties, development partners, and media to enhance women’s participation as both voters and candidates.
Election-related Public Service Announcements were prepared in 10 national languages and disseminated through the ministry’s social media handles and other media. Likewise, strategic partnership was made with the Association of Community Radio Broadcasters and awareness materials in different mother tongues were broadcasted through 386 radio stations.
Various programs were implemented to strengthen protection, empowerment, and service delivery for vulnerable groups. These included the distribution of assistive devices to persons with disabilities, residential rehabilitation services, awareness campaigns against harmful social practices, and targeted programs in different provinces.
Monitoring visits were conducted at senior citizen homes and juvenile correction facilities, and gaps—such as shortages of health personnel and ambulances have been identified for future budgetary allocation.
A comprehensive data system covering 76 districts has been developed to support evidence-based policymaking. Plans are underway to reform organizational structures, strengthen coordination across all levels of government, and implement integrated service delivery systems.
The Ministry also addressed the leadership dispute within the Nepal Red Cross Society by dissolving two rival executive committees and forming a nine-member ad hoc committee to amend its statute and conduct elections.
Although initial progress was hindered by a Supreme Court interim order, the process resumed following the Court’s directive. The statute amendment has been completed in consultation with the International Federation of Red Cross; however, its general election was affected due to the election code of conduct by the Election Commission. Therefore, the Ministry has extended the tenure of the ad hoc committee until Ashar 2082.
For more: Minister Shradha 100-Day Progress Report
