Kathmandu, Mar. 10: Minister of State for Women and Social Welfare Kamala Panta says the problems of women and the downtrodden class in our society are complex and they should be resolved through sympathetic consideration.

She was speaking at an interaction programme organised by CERID here on “educational materials prepared under the literacy for empowerment.”

CERID executive director  Dr Hridaya Ratna Bajracharya described literacy as important not only for reading and writing but also for enhancing one’s talent and capabilities.

Besides, it was also necessary to protect and enjoy one’s rights and those of others in keeping with democratic norms and values, while empowerment was also necessary leading a meaningful life in the society, he added.

The programme co-ordinator Dr Samira Luitel referred to active representation of women and the down-trodden class in the preparation of materials and sponsor of the programme.

Secretary in the Ministry of Women and Social Welfare Mrs Urmila Shrestha stressed that the units and individuals concerned had active role to play in making literacy programme effective.