More Share To Women

PRIME Minister Girija Prasad Koirala has assured that women would get more shares in all sectors after the election to a constituent assembly, which would ensure a genuine inclusive democracy with due participation and representation of all sectors. Talking to representatives of Nepal Women's Association in Kathmandu the other day, Prime Minister Koirala said that women would have at least one-third representation in all sectors including parliament after the constituent assembly election. Prime Minister Koirala's remarks carry special significance and meaning as the country is preparing for the constituent assembly election to institutionalise the achievements of the Jana Andolan II. Inclusive democracy is the political agenda of all parties, in which all sections and sectors of the country have due representation. Women constitute almost half of the total population of the country. The contribution of women in the national economy is significant. However, their contribution has not been fully recognised. Although the constitutional and legal measures have ensured equal opportunities for all and prohibited any kind of discrimination on the ground of sex, women are exploited and discriminated in practice. It is more so in the rural areas.

Women have been denied opportunities on all fronts. It is because of the age-old traditional and cultural bias against women. Moreover, the lack of due representation of women in political and decision-making level has been attributed to the poor condition of women in Nepal. The discrimination against women is a violation of constitution, national and international laws. Women are equally bonafide citizens of the country and they deserve equal rights and opportunities. But things have started to change recently. The women's rights has emerged as an important political and human rights agenda, thanks to the national and iternational movement for the rights of the women. In Nepal, the Jana Andolan II has been a turning point for the rights and opportunities of women. As per the spirit of inclusive democracy, all political parties have agreed to give at least one-third seats and share to women in political and decision -making level. Representation is an important step towards empowering women. So this process has already started. It is obvious that the country cannot make progress if the half of the population is denied their rights and opportunities. Thus, the rights of women is not the issue of women alone. It is the issue of society and the country. As observed by Prime Minister, early efforts must be made to ensure more seats and share for women to empower and bring them into the national mainstream.

Source: The Rising Nepal, May 15, 2007