KATHMANDU: The three-day International Women’s Seminar began today in Kathmandu, with the inaugural session held from 10 am to 12 pm at Sukunda Venkatesh Hall, Budhanilkantha Municipality.

Coordinators from Asia, Africa, Latin America, Europe and the Middle East jointly lit the ceremonial lamp to formally open the event. The session was attended by Asia Coordinator Durga Paudel; Africa Coordinator Mali Pola; Latin America Coordinator Eric Lusa; Europe Coordinators Natalie, Carola Kyurin and Susivara; and Middle East Coordinator Dilarz.

More than 400 women representatives participated in the opening ceremony. Goodwill messages were delivered by All Nepal Women’s Association President Mina Pun; Revolutionary Women’s Association representative Ambika Mukhari; All Nepal Revolutionary Women’s Association representative Dama Sharma; Bandhu Chand; Socialist Women’s Association representative Kamala Bishwakarma; and Scientific Socialist Women’s Association representative Rajeshwari, among others.

In a written message, Europe Coordinator Natalia criticized the exploitation of the global working class under imperialism and expressed confidence that the seminar would raise strong agendas on women’s rights, peace, sanitation and international solidarity.

General Secretary Mohan Bikram Singh of the Nepal Communist Party (Masal); CPN (Unified Socialist) Coordinator Pushpa Kamal Dahal; Nepal Communist Party (Maoist) General Secretary Netra Bikram Chand; Revolutionary Communist Party General Secretary C.P. Gajurel; and Germany’s Marxist–Leninist Party (MLPD) also sent written congratulatory messages.

Similarly, the Women’s Committee of the Afghanistan Communist Party, in a video message, expressed hope that the seminar would draw global attention to the violence and injustices faced by Afghan women.

According to the organizers, thematic sessions on women’s rights, imperialism, environmental issues and related topics have begun. The seminar will run from Mangsir 11 to 13.