E-Kantipur

FEB 01 -

Disproportionate representation of women in Nepal is commonplace in many sectors, including the political, and we have witnessed measures to correct this gradually emerging in recent years. The Constituent Assembly can be taken as a sample. Since its formation in 2008, the Assembly has specified compulsory inclusion of 33 percent of women among its members. These women are from various parts of the country, and come from various social and cultural backgrounds.

The female CA members have diverse  origins and stories to tell, whether it be about their experiences during the autocratic rule of the Ranas, the period following the establishment of democracy in the 1950s, their participation in the 1990s revolution and the decade-long insurgency, they’ve all played a commendable—although not always acknowledged—part in these major events. What is most interesting about their stories is the fact that each account represents to some extent the overall circumstances for women in the country at any given time. 

It was with this in mind that a book titled Female Members of the Constituent Assembly, a study on the contribution of women in Nepal’s constitution-making process was launched jointly by the CA Women Caucus, CA Secretariat, Nepal Law Society and International IDEA at the International Conference Center in New Baneshwor on Jan 31. The book was launched under Subas Chandra Nembang and Purna Kumari Subedi, Chairperson and Vice Chairperson of the CA respectively.

Speaking at the programme Nembang stressed that the increased participation of women in the CA marks a great milestone in female empowerment in Nepal. “The inclusion of women has played a significant part in shaping the peace process and forwarding the writing of the constitution,” Nembang said. Subedi said the book will exemplify the backgrounds of the female members and their visions for Nepali politics, deeming it a “historical document” that would be a comprehensive cross-section of women in Nepal

The 903-page book comprises of chapters like ‘Women’s revolution in Nepal’s history’, ‘Women in the CA’ and other related chapters. As breaks in the text, full-size photos of the women have been inserted into the book alongside detailed biography and other socio-political information. 

“The interviews are touching; the women  unburden their hearts by sharing their never revealed sufferings during various trying periods in the country’s history,” said Leena Rikkila Tamang, International IDEA’s Head of Mission.

Camilla Rossaak, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Norway also praised the book, citing her own experiences in her country, sharing her appreciation for her mother, who played an essential role in pushing her towards independence.

Usha Kala Rai, coordinator of publication committee and also a former chairperson of the CA Women Caucus, said that despite visible progress like increased participation in the CA, there are many areas in which women still suffer a disadvantage, particularly in mainstream politics, emphasising that complacency should be avoided at all costs.

Posted on: 2012-02-01 08:46

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