Nepali women demand inclusion in statute-drafting panel

June 19, 2006

The Women Associations' Joint Struggle Committee (WAJSC) on Saturday demanded that the government include women in the interim constitution drafting committee formed on Friday.

"It has not been long since the historical proclamation has guaranteed 33 per cent reservation for women. It is unfortunate," said Bidhya Devi Bhandari, president, All Nepal Woman Association (ANWA), at a press conference organised by the Committee.
A six-member interim constitution-drafting committee headed by former Supreme Court justice, Laxman Prasad Aryal, was announced during the summit peace talks between the government and Maoists on Friday.

"Women would not be compelled to abide by the interim statute if it is made without our participation," Bhandari said.

Other speakers at the programme said there are only two women representatives in the 31-member Ceasefire and Code of Conduct National Monitoring Committee headed by Dr Devendra Raj Pandey.

Nepali Congress leader Mina Pandey said both the party with arms and without arms overlooked the issues of women. They cited women's participation in Jana Andolan II and claimed the movement would not succeed without their participation
.
"Either they should have the courage to declare women 'incapable' or they should be awarded with their roles in making decisions," Pandey said.

Calling it as an outcome of the 'feudal patriarchal mindset', Nepali Congress (D), leader, Uma Adhikari, asked both the concerned parties to change their mindset. "No one should undermine the role of women in resolving the present political impasse. If any attempt is made to sideline women, we will be compelled to start another andolan," said Adhikari.

Source: The Himalayan Times.

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