Women PA members from Madhes complain of discrimination

 

Women members in the Madhesh Province Assembly (PA) have complained of subjugation to gender-based discrimination.

Airing their views during a concluding session of the three-day worship on gender sensitive parliamentary reporting today, they said they face discrimination both inside and outside the Parliament.

Madhesh PA Deputy Speaker Babita Rout Ishar said, "It is obviously not easy for women to secure a due space and opportunities in politics. I myself reached this position after a long struggle," she said, adding that despite an increase in women's presence in politics, their quality representation is still awaited. She expected media support to address this gap.

PA member Kiran Shah stressed the need of raising a collective voice against the assault on their colleague Shahida Khatun.

PA member and NC whip Jibachha Yadav sought meaningful participation of women members in budget formulation and allocation procedures.

She also urged all the stakeholders concerned to respond to the voices of women politicians seriously.

"We are almost unheard by the government," she said.

Another PA member Anita Kumari Shah accused the government of disregarding the voices of women lawmakers.

Khatun said the government has not yet responded to the assault on her, despite being formally informed about it.