Fourteenth International Conference on Interdisciplinary Social Sciences

Abstract

This study analyzes the existing status of Nepali women in Politics. Nepal is a multilingual, multiethnic, and multicultural country. The distinct role of men and women are based on social and economic background that has shaped a large gap between men and women’s function and women’s political participation. Cultural restrictions limit women to freely mobilize and express their opinions. Following the promulgation of new constitution in 2007, which institutionalized inclusion in politics, Bidhaya Devi Bhandari was elected as first female president. Women assumed three among the top five government positions in 2015-16. This study concentrates on the overall status of women in politics in Nepal. It focuses on the constitution, structure of political parties, as well as current situation of women and problems encountered by the women in political participation. This is a descriptive study using primary and secondary data. Key informant interviews were conducted for the purpose of primary data collection whereas available records and reports were reviewed for secondary data collection. It considers constitutional and legal provisions that introduced compulsory quotas for women in different posts in local governments. Currently, Nepal is one of only ten countries in the world having a women head of state.