Nepal women lawmakers demand more share in state organs

Nepal's women lawmakers affiliated to different political parties have demanded 33 percent representation of women in the Constituent Assembly (CA) and other state mechanism.

They have also criticised the dismal representation of women in the current 21-member cabinet where only two members are women, Xinhua reported.

Speaking in parliament Monday, they urged the party leaderships and the government to give more priority to women leaders while appointing 26 members of the Constituent Assembly. Out of the 601-member body, 26 seats are yet to be filled by the government.

"Despite repeated assurances from political parties to make state organs more inclusive, women's participation in the Constituent Assembly and the government is very dismal. The government should give priority (to women) while appointing 26 members of the Constituent Assembly," Nepali Congress lawmaker Mahalaxmi Upadhaya 'Dina' said.

The number of female lawmakers in the second Constituent Assembly has fallen to 30 percent from 33 percent in the earlier Constituent Assembly.

The women members have also demanded that the parties and the government adopt special measures to increase the number of the women.

"I draw the attention of the government and political parties to increase the number of women in the house," said another lawmaker, Kunti Shahi from Rastriya Prajatantra Party-Nepal.

In the earlier Constituent Assembly, there were 197 female lawmakers, while in the second Constituent Assembly there are 162 female lawmakers which has worried the women lawmakers and rights activists.

The reinstated parliament in 2007 had passed a resolution on women's rights, ensuring 33 percent female representation in every state organ.