On November 16, 2024, Bikalpa an Alternative in collaboration with the Pokhara Research Centre (PRC) and with support from the US Embassy Nepal, organized a panel discussion program with Koshi province assembly women MP Members.  The program was part of the YPG Fellowship Re-engagement program. The event commenced with an esteemed gathering of distinguished guests from various political parties who served as the Province Assembly Members.

The interaction program was organized to provide insights into the Province Assembly members’ experience for YPG fellows to establish connections with the esteemed Members of Parliament. The guest speakers for the session were Hon. Sunita Kumari Gurung (Nepali Congress), Hon. Bidhya Chamling Rai (CPN UML), Hon. Nimsari Rajbanshi (Rastriya Prajatantra Party), and Hon. Geeta Timilsina (Maoist Centre).

Ms Ranu Sah, representing YPG Fellowship members, moderated the Program. She warmly welcomed all the guests and attendees in her opening remarks, highlighting the significance of such interactions in bridging the gap between the legislators and the promising YPG fellows.

Hon Bidhya Chamling Rai

Hon. Bidhya Chamling Rai shared her journey and experiences in politics during the session. She told from a young age, her nature was distinct, shaped by her father’s involvement in politics. This early exposure instilled in her a strong belief in human rights and a passion for advocating social change and equality.

When asked about the challenges she encountered as a woman in politics, Hon. Rai indicated that her experiences as a daughter and as a daughter-in-law presented significant difficulties. Hon. Rai shared that being a daughter was as challenging as being a daughter-in-law. She emphasized that entering politics as a woman was particularly arduous. Despite the evolving social views making it somewhat easier for women today, her journey was marked by the dual responsibilities of managing her family and her political career.

Hon. Rai highlighted the importance of hard work and effective management skills for anyone looking to enter the political  She noted that the challenges in the state parliament are equally demanding for both men and women. However, her experiences from an older societal context meant she had to navigate additional hurdles, balancing traditional family expectations with her political ambitions.

Her story is a testament to the resilience and determination required to succeed in politics, especially for women. Hon. Rai’s advocacy for social change and equality continues to inspire many, demonstrating that with perseverance and dedication, it is possible to overcome societal barriers and make a significant impact.

Hon Sunita Kumari Gurung

Hon. Sunita Kumari Gurung, with 17-18 years of experience as a teacher, shared her insights on the challenges faced by women and the critical role of youth in national development. During her teaching career, she witnessed numerous instances of violence against women and various other issues that women encounter. Despite women constituting more than 50% of the population, they often lack fundamental rights.

She emphasized the indispensable role of youth in the country’s development. She posed a poignant question: “Who will undertake developmental work if the youth continue to migrate abroad?” She stressed the necessity of youth involvement in politics, highlighting that the provincial assembly should implement policies to retain youth in the country, such as empowering entrepreneurship.

Her teaching experience revealed that many students were unable to pursue education due to the absence of birth certificates, often because they did not have fathers. This realization propelled her to leave teaching and enter politics, where she has been actively working to address such issues. Despite existing laws to provide land to the landless, implementation remains a challenge. She noted that while Pushpa Kamal Dahal raised the issue, converting it into actionable party plans has been difficult. Additionally, she recounted her efforts in aiding victims of a fire in the Muslim community by coordinating with the Chief District Officer (CDO).

Hon. Gurung underscored the importance of women’s education for national development. She pointed out that women lag due to a lack of social awareness, primarily stemming from insufficient education. She advocated for budget allocations to educate women, including technical education and grassroots-level awareness programs. She concluded with a powerful statement: “If a woman is educated, her entire family benefits.”

Hon. Nimsari Rajbanshi

Hon. Nimsari Rajbanshi, a distinguished leader from the Rashtriya Prajatantra Party, shared her inspiring journey and vision during the session. She began by recounting her educational background at Mechi Campus and her entry into politics in 2070 BS. By 2074 BS, she had secured the vice-presidential ticket and won, marking a significant milestone in her career.

Coming from a tribal community, she has faced numerous challenges, including discrimination and a lack of freedom. Despite initial language barriers, her determination led her to excel in NGOs while simultaneously pursuing her political aspirations. She emphasized the need for women in politics to remember their unique responsibilities, forming an umbrella group dedicated to supporting mistreated women. She acknowledged Nepal’s deeply entrenched patriarchal structure, where major power remains in men’s hands, highlighting the pivotal role of the local-level quota system in advancing women’s representation.

Hon. Nimsari Rajbanshi emphasized the importance of remembering their identity as women, even in the political arena. She highlighted the formation of an umbrella group dedicated to supporting mistreated women. Despite efforts towards gender equality, Nepal remains a predominantly masculinist society, with major power still concentrated in the hands of men. She acknowledged the crucial role of the quota system in increasing women’s representation at the local level.

She also expressed her gratitude to those who contributed to the constitution, advocating for broader opportunities for women. She noted the challenges posed by coalitions, resulting in fewer women representatives and the continuation of male leadership at top levels, which often creates barriers to effective communication about women’s issues. Nevertheless, she remains steadfast in her vision for equality and inclusion.

Hon. Geeta Timlishina

Hon. Geeta Timlishina addressed the session, highlighting the historical and ongoing challenges faced by women in Nepal. She began by acknowledging the increased social awareness among today’s youth but contrasted it with the past when girls were restricted from studying, leading to significant gender inequality. She pointed out that while men often use their extra time for self-development, women typically spend theirs on family care, resulting in unequal opportunities for personal growth.

She pointed out societal biases, such as the symbolic use of male figures like scarecrows, which reflect deeper perceptions of male superiority. She stressed the importance of leadership roles for women in policymaking and called for women to recognize their potential. The political system has made strides, such as the 33% parliamentary quota for women, which she appreciates as an effort by politicians to foster inclusion.

She also discussed the issue of nepotism in politics, acknowledging its presence but also highlighting the importance of networking, self-awareness, and empowerment in political engagement. She urged the youth to create a conducive environment for themselves within the country rather than seeking opportunities abroad.

Furthermore, she criticized the Samaj Vikas Mantralaya for its insufficient budget for women’s empowerment and the challenges in establishing the Provincial Assembly Women’s Forum. She stressed the need for skill development and the inclusion of women in the cabinet to ensure effective policy-making for women’s empowerment. Despite existing laws, their implementation remains inadequate, and there is a lack of budget for addressing sexual abuse and violence against women. She concluded by highlighting that women are still deprived of basic rights and that true equality remains elusive due to their underrepresentation in decision-making bodies.

At the end of the session Mr Basanta Adhikari extended his gratitude to all the MP Member, and the engaged audience for their active participation.The program ended with a hi- tea and  networking session.