Nepali women creating milestones

Women in Nepali politics have faced significant challenges for representation, encompassing legal, cultural, and institutional barriers. Despite Nepal’s rich traditions and significant political transformations, from the abolition of monarchy to a federal democratic republic, women’s representation remains a persistent struggle. Legal advancements and increased awareness have made some progress, but deep-seated cultural norms and societal attitudes hinder practical implementation. Women politicians often encounter resistance from male counterparts and within their communities, where traditional gender roles are deeply entrenched.

Institutional barriers such as inadequate support systems, lack of political mentorship, and limited access to resources further underrepresented women in Nepali politics. Political parties, key gatekeepers to political power, often fail to prioritize gender inclusivity, resulting in fewer opportunities for women to rise through the ranks. This disparity is more pronounced in rural areas, where patriarchal structures are rigid and educational and economic opportunities for women are limited.

Moreover, women in politics frequently face gender-based violence and harassment from opposition party cadres, both online and offline. Despite these obstacles, many women show remarkable resilience and determination. Trailblazing women leaders in Nepal continue to push boundaries, advocate for gender equality, and inspire future generations. The struggle for women’s representation in Nepal involves transforming the political landscape to be more inclusive and equitable, changing mindsets, dismantling discriminatory practices, and creating an environment for full and effective participation in political processes. As Nepal evolves politically, the fight for gender parity in politics remains crucial, highlighting the need for continued efforts to empower women and ensure their voices are heard at all decision-making levels.

Historical context

The history of Nepali women’s involvement in politics highlights their enduring struggle for representation and equality, intertwined with Nepal’s socio-political transformations. Initially, Nepal’s monarchy and rigid patriarchal structures confined women to domestic roles. The 1951 revolution ended the Rana autocracy but did little to increase women’s political participation. Significant strides began with the 1990 People’s Movement, or ‘Jana Andolan,’ which led to a constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy, raising awareness about gender equality in governance.

The 1990 Constitution provided a framework for democratic governance but lacked substantial female political representation. Patriarchal norms and a lack of supportive structures impeded women’s full political participation. The 2006 People’s Movement (Jana Andolan II) abolished the monarchy and established a federal democratic republic. The 2007 Interim Constitution mandated at least 33 percent of legislative seats for women, a landmark decision. The 2015 Constitution reinforced this, ensuring women hold at least one-third of federal and provincial legislature seats.

Despite these legal provisions, cultural and institutional barriers continue to limit women's political participation. Activists and organizations are advocating for gender-sensitive policies and mentoring women politicians. While significant progress has been made, achieving gender parity in politics requires ongoing efforts to transform the political culture and ensure full and equal participation for women.

Key milestone

Since the advent of democracy in Nepal in 1951, the journey towards women's political representation has been gradual. The first significant milestone was reached on 27 May 1959, when Dwarika Devi Thakurani was appointed as the deputy minister of health and local governance in BP Koirala’s cabinet. Thirteen years later, on 16 April 1972, Kamala Shah became the second woman deputy minister, serving under Kirtinidhi Bista. On 16 July 1973, Kamala Shah was promoted to minister of state for health under Nagendra Prasad Rijal, marking another milestone.

A significant breakthrough occurred 37 years after the introduction of democracy. On 9 March 1988, Sushila Thapa became the first full female minister for health in Marich Man Singh Shrestha’s cabinet. This cabinet also included Chanda Shah as an assistant minister, marking the first time two women were part of the council of ministers simultaneously.

On 19 April 1990, following the people’s movement of 1990, Sahana Pradhan made history by becoming the first woman to hold the second-highest position in the cabinet hierarchy as the Industry and Commerce Minister in Krishna Prasad Bhattarai’s government. The trend of increasing female representation continued on 25 March 1997, when Sahana Pradhan and Bidya Bhandari were appointed as full ministers in Lokendra Bahadur Chand’s council of ministers, marking the first time two women held full ministerial positions.

Shailaja Acharya further broke new ground on 15 April 1998, by becoming the first woman deputy prime minister in Girija Prasad Koirala’s cabinet. During the second People’s Movement in 2006, Deputy Speaker Chitra Lekha Yadav, a woman, played a crucial role by chairing the parliament meeting in the ‘street’ and aiding in the re-establishment of the dissolved House of Representatives.

The first Constituent Assembly election in 2008 significantly increased women’s representation with 197 women elected. The 2013 election saw 176 women elected, and the federal Parliament elections in 2017 and 2022 had 90 and 91 women elected, respectively. While Nepal’s women’s representation in parliament surpasses that of many countries, efforts are still needed to advance women’s rights qualitatively.

In recent years, Nepal has achieved notable milestones in women’s political representation. The election of Bidya Devi Bhandari as the first female president in 2015 was historic. Additionally, Onsari Gharti Magar served as the first female Speaker of the House of Representatives from 2015 to 2018.

Sushila Karki made headlines on 11 July 2016, as the first female Chief Justice of Nepal, serving until 2017. Her appointment was a significant milestone for gender equality in Nepal’s judiciary.

On 14 Dec 2023, Nepal achieved another historic milestone when Sewa Lamsal, the senior-most joint-secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was promoted to foreign secretary, the first female to hold this role in the history of the Nepali Foreign Service. On 25 July 2024, Lila Devi Gadtaula was appointed as Chief Secretary, becoming the first woman to hold the highest position in civil administration.

In diplomacy, a significant milestone was reached in 1956 when Bhinda Swari Shah was appointed as Nepal’s first female ambassador to India. In local governance, Nepal has made significant progress with seven women mayors, 276 women deputy mayors, 11 women chairpersons, and 424 women vice-chairpersons, totaling 718 women in top local government positions. However, patriarchal practices within political parties persist.

Despite these advancements, challenges remain. Women in Nepal continue to face patriarchal norms, violence, and economic barriers that hinder their full political participation. Nonetheless, the increasing number of women in political roles, supported by advocacy groups and legal mandates, reflects a significant shift towards gender equality.

Way forward

The quest for women’s representation in Nepali politics is a continuous journey. Despite making significant progress, various obstacles still stand in the way. Recent advancements, supported by legal frameworks and enhanced awareness, offer hope for a more inclusive and fair political landscape in Nepal. The sustained dedication of advocates, policymakers, and the general populace will be vital in ensuring that women’s voices are not only heard but also acknowledged in all levels of government.

Although legal provisions have advanced gender equality by reserving seats for women in local and national political bodies, the practical implementation of these provisions remains a critical challenge. Women’s representation in key decision-making bodies is still inadequate, with many being confined to deputy positions in local bodies and state minister roles in provincial governments. This suggests that political parties are not fully committed to meaningful female participation, emphasizing the need to move beyond tokenism and appoint women to significant positions within their parties and the government.

The struggle for women’s representation in Nepali politics continues, requiring ongoing efforts to overcome the socio-cultural and economic barriers that inhibit women’s political participation. In addition to being included in political ranks, women must be given meaningful roles and responsibilities by political parties. Education and awareness programs are pivotal in shaping societal attitudes towards women in politics, particularly in encouraging their participation from a young age and equipping them with the necessary skills and resources. Strengthening the legal framework and ensuring the effective implementation of existing laws and policies are crucial in protecting and promoting women’s rights in politics. Collaboration between government, civil society, and international organizations is essential to foster an environment where women can thrive as political leaders.