2025/3/27
A two-day workshop was held in Dhangadhi, Sudurpaschim Province on March 27 and 28, 2025, under the main slogan
"Let’s respect labor, move forward with development rooted in social justice". The workshop focused on policy dialogue regarding the rights and entitlements of women workers engaged in the informal sector across all nine districts of Sudurpaschim Province, aiming to address their demands.
Organized by Sam Bikash Kendra Nepal with support from ActionAid Nepal, the first day of the event brought together women workers from across the province to share their experiences of challenges faced in the course of their labor. Through group discussions, they identified key issues and possible solutions specific to their districts and highlighted common concerns faced by informal workers.
On the second day, a panel discussion was held, and a demand paper from the workers was prepared and handed over to Honorable Dharma Raj Pathak, Chairperson of the Social Development Committee. The panel discussion was facilitated by Ms. Nilam Sharma from Popular Foundation, and included panelists such as Hon. Dharma Raj Pathak (Chair of the Social Development Committee), Deputy Mayor Kalawati Mahar of Dipayal Silgadhi Municipality, representatives from Freedom Fund, Provincial NGO Federation, and women workers.
Following the dialogue between the panelists and participating women workers, a 7-point demand paper was submitted, calling for an end to the exploitation of informal sector workers. The event concluded with the submission of this joint demand letter to Hon. Dharma Raj Pathak and the formation of a province-level network of women workers from all nine districts of Sudurpaschim Province, representing women working in the informal sector who continue to face exploitation, oppression, violence, and injustice.