It is the first time that single women have got such recognition from the government, they say. “We are not looking at the amount allocated by the government. But we are happy that the government has take note of us,” said Chandrika Bhattarai, president of Woman for Human Rights - Single Women´s Group (WHR). “We take it as a good beginning. As about the size of the fund and its effective implementation, we will have to make consistent effort.” [break]
Lily Thapa, founder president of the organization, noted that the amount could really make a difference for single women who are in need of shelter homes and emergency services. “It was very much necessary. Though the scenario in the urban areas has changed a bit, single women in remote areas are really helpless and vulnerable,” she said.
According to the census 2011, 6.7 percent of the married population is widow. Thapa said that government´s decision has indeed elated the single women´s group.
Dinesh Hari Adhikari, secretary at the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Welfare said that the government´s step has to be appreciated as it will contribute in creating a just society. “Our society is still quite male dominated and women suffer a lot because of the prevalent patriarchal mindset. They are, in general, underprivileged than men,” he said. “The establishment of the fund is far more important than the size of the fund itself.”
The ministry had recently made public the regulations relating to the fund. A separate committee will be formed under the ministry with the participation of women from single women groups to manage the fund.
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