Kathmandu – In the week leading to International Women’s Day (IWD) 2024, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Nepal organized a series of events under the theme “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress for Gender Equality and Safe Migration.” 

Hosted by IOM’s Migration, Environment, Climate Change and Risk Reduction (MECR) unit with support from the IOM Development Fund, these initiatives placed the youth at the centre of discussions. On 7 March IOM organised an interactive session in Kathmandu for female students and teachers of Padma Kanya Campus focusing on the interlinkages between human mobility, climate change and gender equality, amongst other factors. The participants discussed topics such as how climate disasters are likely to exacerbate underlying causes of vulnerability, and how the choice to migrate is impacted by societal inequities based on gender, age, class, indigeneity and disability. 

Throughout the IWD week, IOM Nepal moderated a series of “Gender Debates” in collaboration with Debate Network Nepal (DNN), UN Volunteers Nepal and King’s College, culminating in the final debate competition on 8 March. Involving more than 60 students, 43 of whom females, the debates addressed relevant issues in the MECC and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) nexus from a gender perspective.   

During the Grand Finale, the finalists discussed two important topics - whether protection and human rights support should be prioritised over economic recovery for women after a disaster; and emphasizing women's engagement in post-disaster relief, recovery, and reconstruction efforts. In their conclusion, the students highlighted the importance of Psychosocial Support (PSS) and the long-term benefits of livelihood assistance to women after natural disasters.  

As part of the award ceremony, Dr Gangalal Tuladhar, Senior DRRM Expert at the National DRRM Council, emphasized “Involving women and girls within the community, elevating their voices, is essential, as they bear the disproportionate impacts of climate-induced crises.” 

Meanwhile, Ms Dipina Sharma, Head of MECR department at IOM Nepal, praised the students for their efforts, stating “From what I have seen today at the Grand Finale, this event has helped participants develop leadership, advocacy and analytical skills through debating, research and critical thinking.” 

The IWD events in Nepal by IOM were not only a celebration, but also a learning opportunity for the young participants. Through these initiatives, IOM Nepal has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering women and girls to become agents of change, as also evidenced by its activities across the country at the operational and policy levels.

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For media inquiries please contact: Dipina Sharma: dsharma@iom.int