Nepal’s constitution mandates that women hold at least 33% of seats in the national parliament and provincial assemblies, and at least 40% in local governments. These provisions, enshrined in 2015, have given a record number of women a place at the table in Nepal’s political sphere. In spite of this, meaningful, widespread participation in major decision-making by women in Nepal remains elusive.

When Bidya Devi Bhandari became Nepal’s first woman President in 2015, cynics dismissed her arguing that she was the widow of a political leader, it was a ceremonial position anyway, and one woman becoming head of sta

Nepal — "I am contesting the upcoming election with my headscarf on, duly following th

The first local elections in nearly 20 years are taking place in Nepal. Under the new constitution, local bodies have substantial clout - they will draft laws, collect certain taxes and even have some judicial powers.

KATHMANDU: The Election Commission (EC) of Nepal has urged the political parties to ensure women’s candidacy in all posts contesting in the May 14 local level elections.

KATHMANDU, Feb 28: One of the key demands of the people’s movement in 2006 was increased representation of women, Dalits and people from marginalized communities in various state structures. The local elections scheduled to be held on May 14 are set to largely address this demand. 

By Sophie Kemkhadze, UNDP Nepal Country Director