The UNI Nepal Liaison Council recently concluded an inspiring and productive Youth & Women Conference, marking a significant milestone in UNI’s mission to empower the youth and women of Nepal. With 21 affiliated organizations and a representation of over 120,000 workers in the service sector, the Union Nepal Liaison Council has once again demonstrated its dedication to driving positive change.
One of the major outcomes of this conference was the election of new leadership who will steer the organization’s direction for the 2023-2027 period. In an atmosphere brimming with enthusiasm and hope, a 20-member youth committee was elected, with Mr. Birjit Rokaya chosen as the President of the Youth Committee. Simultaneously, a 21-member Women Committee was elected, with Mrs. Bhagwati Kumari Thapa leading the way. Their election signifies progress in the pursuit of gender equality and increased youth involvement in Nepal’s labor landscape.
Photos of Conference
The conference kicked off with Brother Rajendra Acharya, UNI APRO Regional Secretary, extending his warm congratulations to the newly elected Youth & Women Committees. In his opening remarks, he underscored the crucial role of UNI Youth in championing the rights of young workers not only in Nepal but also across the Asia Pacific Region. The issues they aim to tackle are diverse and impactful, including improving job opportunities, establishing workers’ rights and justice in the gig and precarious work sectors, addressing pressing concerns related to climate change, promoting equal opportunities, and dealing with mental health challenges. He stressed the importance of active and meaningful engagement of young people within their respective affiliate trade unions, which not only enhances the role of youth within the union but also enables the trade union to make valuable investments in organizing young people and women in the trade union movement. He expressed optimism that the affiliate unions would continue to prioritize the interests of youth and women in their actions and activities within Nepal.
During the conference, Sister Marta Ochoa, UNI Youth Director, Sister Anjali Badekar, UNI APRO Equal Opportunity Director, and Brother Jayasri Priyala, Director of Finance and the Professional and Managerial group UNI APRO, extended their warm greetings and support to the attendees.
The conference featured a series of thematic panel discussions. Sister Sita Lama from GeFONT shed light on issues related to “Advocating for Gender Equality in Trade Unions,” while Brother Leknath Pokharel, former Youth President of UNI Nepal, discussed “Youth Engagement for the Future of Trade Unions.” These discussions were a vital part of the event, offering insights into the pressing issues at hand and potential solutions.
Brother Shankar Lamichhane, the President of UNI-NLC, played a key role in guiding the conference. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to the outgoing youth and women committees for their valuable contributions, especially during the challenging times of the COVID-19 crisis, in organizing and strengthening the trade union movement in Nepal. Sister Kamal Neupane gracefully handed over her role to Sister Bhagwati Kumari Khadka, and Brother Pratap, the outgoing Vice President, passed on the youth presidency to Brother Birjit Rokaya. This transition signifies a seamless continuation of the vital work undertaken by the organization.
The conference saw an impressive turnout, with over 120 delegates representing youth and women, all united in their commitment to a brighter future for the youth and women in Nepal’s labor force.