NEPAL: Women Lawmakers Dissatisfied with Limited Role

Women lawmakers have expressed dissatisfaction over their limited role in the Constituent Assembly.

Speaking at a programme on ‘Women's role in the Constitution Assembly', Chitra Lekha Yadav, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and treasurer of the Nepali Congress, said though the country needs women's participation, they were neglected in policy making roles.

“The society is yet to recognise our potential,” Yadav said and underscored the women's judicious participation in each and every sector for a balanced and prosperous society.

CPN-UML lawmaker, Radha Gyawali, giving the example of Maoist women fighters said Nepali women are not just limited to the domestic front, but have proved their competence even at war. “Despite competence, women lack opportunities. No women is in the present cabinet and only two were included in the last cabinet, though the constitution guarantees 33 per cent representation,” she said.

She also proposed that if men are made the President and prime minister, women should be made the vice president and deputy prime minister, and vice versa.

UCPN-Maoist lawmaker, Satya Pahadi, who was felicitated at the programme, emphasised that a positive outlook towards women would benefit the society.

Another felicitated personality, development activist and social worker, Rajju Malla Dhakal said women by nature are sensitive and hoped that women lawmakers would develop sensitivity towards a number of issues to be incorporated in the new constitution. She suggested the women lawmakers to dwell on issues of equity, equality and justice to rid the society of discrimination.

The programme was organised by Nepal Youth Society . It was planned for the International Women's Day on March 8, but was deferred due to the demise of former prime minister Krishna Prasad Bhattarai.