Pressure has increased to increase women's participation in the UML general convention. Women leaders are demanding that women, youth, indigenous peoples, and Madhesis be prioritized in the office bearers and central committee. Their 'lobbying' has begun for the upcoming general convention to emphasize women's leadership. Here is an edited excerpt of a conversation between Kantipur's Ganga BC and UML Politburo member Jwalakumari Sah, who focused on these issues:

How much has the issue of women, inclusive tribals, and indigenous peoples, in particular, been raised in the UML general convention? What efforts are being made for representation?

First of all, as our glorious party, in terms of inclusion, not only tribals, but also women, indigenous peoples, and even youth have been included, and representatives have come from the field in a unanimous manner. The party will definitely decide to look at women, youth, tribals, and indigenous peoples with special priority from every angle. That kind of discussion is also underway.

There are complaints that women leaders are divided because they should unite to take power, right?

In UML, women have been given a respected place in every policy-making role, from the whip to all sectors. Today, I personally understand that women have started speaking up a little more because of the advancement of women. Instead of being insulted in the party, they have received more respect. They have received more rights. UML has included women more in terms of policy . The UML leadership should be thanked . There is a discussion that UML should now gradually increase women's participation to 50 percent . Because, women make up about 51 percent of the country . There is a voice being raised from the angle that the country cannot move forward without women, development is not possible . That is why our party is focusing on women, youth and tribal people in particular . 

What is your claim for the next leadership ?

My name is not just a name, it is a story of struggle . I am a person who has grown up in an environment of sacrifice and dedication to the country since birth . I know that struggle does not hold people back, it moves them forward . Therefore, I firmly stand on the principles of UML and am currently working day and night to strengthen the party in the capacity of a member of the Central Organization Department and a member of the Politburo, in the selection of people's representatives of Bara, Parsa and Rautahat, mass mobilization, and organizational management given by the Organization Department. If the party is strong, we will survive, the country will remain safe.

I am a person who believes in deeds more than the claims of my office bearers. I hope for work more than the hope of results. The party decides where Jwala Shah is needed, what responsibilities she can handle, and I will work within that. Personally, I am not saying that I will rise to this position. The party will definitely make some decisions after evaluating my deeds and work.

How much will be the representation of women in the Central Committee, including the office bearers and other committees, in this general convention?

There is talk of 33 percent representation of women in the Central Committee and others, and 33 percent is guaranteed. The party is working day and night to increase women's representation. A comprehensive and serious discussion is underway to give more respect and space to women and youth. This 11th General Convention is full of history and struggle. The future of our party is also full of possibilities. A visionary leadership is needed to make the party strong. There is only KP Sharma Oli, a leader who is committed to the country and has a nationalistic character. Other than him, no one else can run the country during this crisis. Therefore, we must move forward in a united manner. 33 percent participation of women in UML is guaranteed and secure.