Stating that sustainable development and social justice are not possible without women's leadership, the participants urged political parties to be serious about developing women's leadership.
What you should know
National Assembly member Renu Chand has said that despite the increase in women's participation in the country's politics, their presence in leadership roles remains weak. She says that the mindset of parties, the state and society must change simultaneously to bring women to the decision-making level.
Speaking at the ‘Dialogue for Managing Women’s Participation in the Electoral Process’ program organized by the Dalit Women’s Center on Tuesday, she emphasized that women should not be limited to participation alone but should be brought to the policy-making level. ‘Only women who have reached leadership positions can effectively raise their real problems and needs,’ she said. ‘They are not able to reach leadership roles due to patriarchal thinking, social discrimination, economic dependence, and structural obstacles within the party.’ She said that the
party is using women as voters and campaigners. She said that education, political training, and opportunities for women in leadership are necessary to bring them to the policy-making level. ‘Empowering women should not be limited to speeches,’ she said. ‘Women should be given priority in candidate selection, organization expansion, and division of responsibilities.’ She said that while women’s representation in parliament and local levels is ensured according to the constitutional provisions, men still dominate in executive and decision-making positions.
CPN-UML Publicity Department Chief Gangaram Timilsina said that women themselves need to be politically active and organized. 'Leadership does not come by seeking it,' he said, 'Women must raise their voices for their rights, accept challenges.' The participants of the program emphasized that if women's leadership in politics is strengthened, democracy will be strengthened and an inclusive governance system will be established.
Saying that sustainable development and social justice are not possible without women's leadership, the participants urged political parties to be serious about developing women's leadership. Representatives of various political parties, civil society, and organizations working in the field of women's rights participated in the program. They also expressed their commitment to fielding women as candidates in all types of elections.
