Summary: The decade of the 1990s Vikram Samvat marked the beginning of non-governmental party politics in Nepal, with intellectuals and political figures laying the foundation for the democratic movement. During the Maoist insurgency (V.S. 2052–2063), women played active roles as soldiers, leaders, and strategic decision-makers, paving the way for a quota system for female participation. Nepal’s 2072 Constitution ensured at least one-third female representation in parliament and local levels, and since 2074, women’s political participation has risen to over 40 percent.
Non-governmental multi-party politics in Nepal is generally recognized to have started in the 1990s V.S. During this period, the political and social environment was complex, characterized by the autocratic Rana regime and restricted civil liberties. Nonetheless, various intellectual and political personalities organized efforts that laid the groundwork for democratic movements. The Nepal Praja Parishad, established in V.S. 1993, is one of the country’s oldest political institutions and played a key role in spreading political awareness. Subsequently, the Nepali National Congress (NEKA) was founded to institutionalize the political movement; its first national convention was held on January 25–26, 1947, in Kolkata, India (Basnet, 2065). The convention not only called for political change but also recognized gender inequality and discrimination against women, passing a proposal advocating equal rights for women.
The prevailing social structure at the time was largely patriarchal, with women deprived of education, property rights, participation in decision-making processes, and involvement in public life. Education for women was considered a foundation for social change and political awareness, which later provided a platform for women to assume leadership roles. The Maoist party placed special emphasis on female participation in its early phase. During the armed conflict from V.S. 2052 to 2063, women were actively engaged as soldiers, political trainers, leaders, and strategic decision-makers. The party committed to leadership development, organizational training, and proportional representation for female members. These experiences opened pathways for systems such as quota representation, proportional inclusion, and adequate participation of women in the constituent assembly in Nepal. Aligning with global debates on gender equality and Nepal’s political evolution, the CPN (UML) at its second National Council meeting in V.S. 2053 decided to include at least one woman in every committee (CPN-UML, 2053). This is considered Nepal’s first formal party-level quota decision institutionalizing women’s representation within political parties.
Since 2074, women’s political representation in Nepal has surpassed approximately 40 percent, signaling progress toward inclusivity. However, challenges remain, including limited opportunities in direct elections, dependency on the quota system, entrenched patriarchal attitudes, and minimal influence in decision-making processes. Throughout Nepal’s history, courageous and influential women have made significant contributions. In various periods, women have exhibited bravery in safeguarding the nation, society, and communities. For example, during the Anglo-Nepalese War (1814–1816), women played vital roles in warrior support, treating injured soldiers, and resistance activities in battles like Nalapani (Kunwar, 2065). Yogmaya Neupane, regarded as the founder of modern Nepal, raised voices against child marriage and opposed Rana regime injustices.
Women actively participated in the labor movement of 1956 (2003 BS) and the civil movement of 1957 (2004 BS), leading to the establishment of the Nepal Women’s Association under the leadership of Mangala Devi Singh in the same year. Although the Rana regime ended and multi-party democracy began in 1957 (2007 BS), the women’s movement continuously advanced education, employment, and political participation. Despite ongoing challenges, gender consciousness and women’s roles in society have steadily increased. Women’s involvement in the 2006 (2062/63 BS) democratic movement was especially notable. Acknowledging that women’s issues differ by class, caste, language, region, and religion, inclusivity and equality were ensured during the constitution drafting process. The Interim Constitution promulgated on Magh 1, 2063, secured one-third women candidates and equal rights. The new Constitution of 2072 introduced stricter provisions against violence targeting women and institutional recognition. Especially significant was ensuring more than 40 percent female participation at the local level. However, effective leadership remains limited. Article 38 of the Constitution guarantees equal hereditary rights for women, proportional participation, reproductive rights, and punishment for perpetrators of violence along with victim compensation. At least one-third female representation is ensured in both federal and provincial parliaments. In the 2074 federal elections, women constituted about 33 percent in the House of Representatives, though the number elected through direct vote was low. By the 2079 elections, female representation reached 33.8 percent. Women’s participation in provincial assemblies increased from 34.36 percent in 2074 to 36.4 percent in 2079. In local governments, women accounted for 40.95 percent of representatives in 2074, rising to 41.21 percent in 2079. Nonetheless, the number of women in leadership positions remains limited. Overall, while women’s political participation has significantly increased, limited direct electoral opportunities, quota system dependence, leadership constraints, party structural inequalities, and patriarchal mindsets persist.
From 2048 to 2015 BS, women’s participation in elections was limited. In the 2015 election, only one woman MP was elected. After the constituent assembly elections, the proportional representation system increased women’s participation, with approximately 197 female members in the first assembly and 176 in the second. Political development between 2074 and 2079 saw a substantial rise in female representation, but leadership and effectiveness gaps remain. In recent years, Nepal’s younger generations born after 1997 have become increasingly politically and socially conscious, raising their voices actively through digital platforms. The Gen Z Movement, which began on Bhadra 23, 2082, marked a significant event in political and social dissatisfaction, with 76 deaths recorded. The government provided financial relief to the families of the deceased. Subsequently, Nepal appointed its first female Prime Minister, inaugurating a new chapter in women’s leadership history. Prime Minister Sushila Karki demonstrated exemplary leadership and sent a positive message that women can hold the highest office. Her main challenges included addressing youth demands, managing economic crises, and maintaining political stability. Re-establishing trust among parties and introducing a shared agenda for upcoming elections or constitutional amendments were urgent priorities.
The Fagun 21, 2082 House of Representatives elections posed challenges for women’s political participation. While Nepal’s Constitution mandates a minimum of 33 percent women in the House, the number of female direct candidates remained low, and many parties fulfilled representation primarily through proportional lists, perpetuating structural inequalities. Women’s political participation in Nepal’s history has been arduous, influential, and continuously evolving. Initially limited to small roles, women’s positions strengthened through the Maoist movement, formation of women’s associations, and proportional representation systems. Although the Constitution guarantees adequate female representation, limited direct election opportunities, restricted leadership access, party structure inequalities, and patriarchal attitudes remain. Improvements in female representation from 2074 to 2079 are evident, but deeper introspection and structural reforms are needed for proportional leadership and effective influence. Ultimately, women’s political participation in Nepal must focus not only on numerical growth but also on impactful roles in leadership, decision-making, and policy formulation. From history to the present, women’s leadership and contributions under challenging circumstances clearly indicate progress toward gender equality.
