On 31 January 2012, International IDEA, in collaboration with the Women Caucus of the Constituent Assembly (CA) of Nepal, CA Secretariat and Nepal Law Society launched the book Women Members of the Constituent Assembly: A study on contribution of women in constitution making in Nepal, in Kathmandu. Available in English and Nepali, it includes stories of political journeys of 197 women CA members, reflecting their struggles, their hopes and their perseverance in bringing equality to Nepali society.

The elected women members comprise almost 33 percent of the 601 members and include seasoned politicians, women activists, professionals, former combatants, spouses of martyrs, and young women starting their political careers. Whatever their background, they have made their contribution to the constitution drafting process. Their contributions in the CA have, however, remained largely unrecognized.

Many female students, mostly of government colleges, are getting attracted towards political activities and getting actively involved in it. They say they are involved in student politics to work for students, and are moving ahead with male counterparts in the political path.

Ishu Lama, Treasurer of FSU at Pashupati Multiple Campus, Chabahil has been involved in student politics for the last five years. “I find politics is the best place if you want to do good for someone where you can make policies for others benefit,” cited Lama.

The main opposition Democratic United Party’s (DUP) plan for a 15 percent quota for women in the selection of candidates to run in the April general election on its ticket is being opposed by some male potential candidates. They claim the rule constitutes reverse discrimination, questioning whether placing more women in politics was such an urgent issue. According to them, the 15 percent quota will hurt male candidates.

Proponents said the liberal party adopted the rule in order to encourage more women to join politics to better represent their interests. The current rate of women in politics _ 13.7 percent in the legislature _ is insufficient to represent the best interests of women, they said.

In late January, a group representing the Karen, one of the biggest ethnic groups in Burma, issued a statement calling for women to be given a bigger role in the peace talks between Karen rebels and the government.

Similar agreements have been struck recently between the government and other ethnic rebel armies, including the Shan State Army-South, the United Wa State Army, and at least seven other armed groups.

Unfortunately, the participation of ethnic women in these conflict resolution processes is disturbingly low. It is a tragedy that the people who have suffered the most from these conflicts are those who seem to have the least say in the process of their "resolution."

Muslim women in India's Uttar Pradesh district are leading a new campaign to educate their community about the importance of participation in the democratic process, urging them to vote in their district’s 23 February elections. 

"We have been going from door-to-door and making aware Muslim women and girls about the importance of their vote," said Noor Bano, a woman, who headed the campaign in Rura village in Ramabai Nagar district.

She affirmed that the voters in the villages have widely supported the cause with several Muslim women joining the group in Bhognipur town too.

The National Assembly in Pakistan passed a new bill unanimously on January 19 to protect women’s rights in the region,allowing the work of Pakistan’s National Commission for Women to have ‘more teeth.’ The new bill is expected to pass easily through Pakistan’s Senate.

The goal for the bill is to hold back the tide in the growing incidence of domestic violence, honor crimes and acid violence in the Pakistan regions. Basic human rights for women under the law and in court will also be an important part of the goal as the National Commission for Women. Once the bill has been approved by the Senate, the Commission will be given the freedom to act as an autonomous agency with the power to inspect conditions for women in prison. It will also be given the power to act on complaints of justice against women in civil court.

The Thai prime minister Yingluck Sinawatra said that women were a strong symbol of non-violence and would play important roles in bringing about political reconciliation in Thailand as part of her opening remkarks at the 42nd World Economic Forum (WEF). 

She called for an end to women's inequity and violence in society. She said women had positive features that could better society - such as attention to details and good understanding, and attention to children and youth.

Speaking to hundreds at the international WEF audience, Yingluck said that her government had set up a fund to support women and to promote universal education for girls.