Women in Politics

• Admin
• 1 year ago

Women in Politics

The Constitution of Nepal has paved the way for their advancement through provisions to ensure equal rights to all citizens. The 2017 Political Party Act reflects a commitment to developing inclusive leadership, and political parties have made commitments to meet these obligations. The constitution of Nepal, 2072, article 38 confirms the "rights of women" article 40 "rights of Dalits" and article 42 "right to social justice"[1]. The constitution elaborates that "the economically, socially or educationally backward women, Dalit, indigenous nationalities, Madhesi, Tharu, Muslims, backward classes, minorities, marginalized communities, persons with disabilities, gender and sexual minorities, farmers, labourers, oppressed or citizens of backward regions and indigent Khas Arya shall have the right to participate in the State bodies on the basis of the principle of proportional inclusion". The Constitution also guarantees one-third representation of women in all elected bodies.

However, leadership roles within the parties and government remain dominated by a certain gender and caste in the highest decision-making structures, such as central committees, reflecting patriarchal dominance. The prevalence of a stereotypical culture continues to create obstacles for women and persons from sexual minorities in terms of their political participation and representation. In addition to other intersectionality barriers, there is a tradition of homogenizing these groups in the same box without viewing their economic, cultural, geographical, caste, and religious backgrounds. Their role has been undermined and confined to secondary positions within the government, political parties, and community.

[1]http://www.moljpa.gov.np/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Constitution-of-Nepal-_English_-with-1st-Amendment_2.pdf