Kathmandu: Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Arzu Rana Deuba has emphasized that the progress achieved by Nepali women in securing their rights and empowerment is the result of their own efforts and struggles. Inaugurating a seminar on ‘Past, Present and Role of Nepal Women Association in the Future,’ organized by the Nepal Women Association affiliated with the Nepali Congress, the Minister, who is also a central member of the Nepali Congress, highlighted the significant achievements in women’s rights, including constitutional rights, attributing them to the long and tremendous struggle of women themselves.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Dr Rana recalled the contributions of Nepali Congress women leaders from Mangala Devi Singh to Shailaja Acharya and lauded the Nepali women’s movement, struggle, and sacrifice that have led to today’s achievements. However, she noted that women still have a long way to go. Reflecting on Nepali women’s active political engagement in all movements from the 2007 BS historical revolution to the establishment of the republic, she stated, “With their inspiration, we joined the struggle for women’s rights and were able to create an environment where, for the first time, favorable provisions were made regarding women’s rights in the existing constitution and laws of Nepal.”
The Minister pointed out the constitutional guarantee of 33 percent women’s representation in the federal parliament and the province assemblies, and 40 percent at the local levels, as a positive step. However, she emphasized that Nepali women need to continue their struggle to make this legal guarantee meaningful and practical. Sharing her own political experiences, Dr Rana remarked, “Patriarchal thinking still dominates our society. Politics is still an uphill battle for women. Therefore, we have made all our sisters aware, empowered, and prepared them to move forward for their rights, with the belief that women must fight for themselves.”
Dr Rana also highlighted that the hardships faced by Nepali women are similar to challenges faced by women leaders globally, reflecting the universal nature of gender-based barriers.