In spite of obstacles created by the autocratic administration of King Gyanendra, ‘International Women Workers Day’ was celebrated in the country with the message of the re-emerged struggle of people, women and workers for democracy and fundamental rights. The three confederations of trade unions - GEFONT, NTUC and DECONT - jointly organised the 8 March programme through their common mechanism, the Trade Union Committee for Gender Equality and Promotion (TUC-GEP).  Prior permission was taken for the twin programmes—Seminar on Women Rights: Equality and Decent Employment and a rally seeking support for women’s rights and trade union rights.

The authorities were horrified at the possibility of thousands of people on the streets. They withdrew the permission granted for the rally and even banned it. Security forces were deployed in large numbers along the rally route to prevent the people from taking part in it.

In the new situation, the focus then shifted to the seminar where more than 450 activists gathered and raised their voice for democracy and women’s rights. A ‘Gender Declaration’ emphasising the rights of women was also adopted. Bina Shrestha, the chariperson of TUC-GEP and coordinator of Central Women Workers Department of GEFONT, chaired the seminar session where the ‘Gender Declaration’ was read out to the participants. Leyla Tegmo Reddy, the International Labour Organisation Country Director and Eva Tabor of the Danish trade union movement were among the international guest speakers. Other guest speakers were Shambhu Thapa, President of Nepal Bar Association, Rabindra Shrestha, Vice Chairperson of Employers’ Council, Rameshwar Upadhyaya, General Secretary of Nepal University Teachers Association, Mohan Gyanwali, General Secretary of Nepal School Teachers Union and Jamuna Tamrakar, Vice Chairperson of Nepal Nursing Association. The Labour Secretary of the government, who had agreed to come, was conspicuous by his absence and so were other government officials. Leaders of the three trade union confederations and their affiliated federations including the leaders of various organisations of professionals also participated in the programme. The unanimous voice raised by the speakers was restoration of democracy and peace in the country and ensuring of civil rights, workers rights and human rights.

Though the unions had written permission from the Home Department for the programme, the authorities disallowed a demonstration by the workers on 8 March and threatened women leaders. Trade unions strongly condemned the interference in their activities and harassment of the women workers. Considering the seriousness of the situation, trade unions are working jointly for the uninterrupted exercise of labour rights. The workers’ preparation for the International Labour Day this year would give yet another opportunity for the labour class in Nepal to display their strength and demand restoration of democracy in the country.