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The women's movement in Nepal demands total proportionate representation of women in the Constituent Assembly Election


The postponement of the Constituent Assembly Election has once again pushed Nepal to the brink of despair and misery. But the aspiration of the Nepalese people for a restructured Nepal cannot be achieved without a new constitution. The new constitution cannot be drafted without the inclusion and representation of different caste, culture, gender, topography, language and other groups. However to include the representation of the various groups, it is inevitable that a total proportionate system of Constituent Assembly Election should be held. The women of Nepal have walked together demanding 50% representation of women in all structures of the government who only  guaranteed 33% but in spite of this decision of the government, the women of Nepal accepted the decision and instead pushed for Peace and stability in the country. However we are still in the struggle of demanding our representation and we will continue doing so.

The Constituent Assembly election is of utmost importance to Women. Women are the ones who have to bear the brunt of political upheaval, instability and displacement. Consequently Violence Against Women has increased, lack of redressal policies, marginalized from accessing the government mechanism, lack of recognition of our work etc. The community women are involved in protecting and promoting human rights while working in risk prone situations that has not yet been recognized as human rights work. We demand that there should an end of such discriminatory practices/policies. There should also be a representative government which is inclusive as we have aspired, chosen and believe in.

We, women of Nepal have always demanded for a proportionate representation in all structures and stratas of the government. We have reiterated that this is our fundamental rights and this has to be guaranteed.

22 November would have marked the historical  milestone for all the people of Nepal if the Constituent Assembly Election had been held but now as the election date has been postponed, we want to push our demand for proportionate representation at all levels further. It has also given us the mandate to be vigilant and caution the political parties to hold the Constituent Assembly election on time and to remind them of their grave responsibility.

We, women of Nepal have always walked together fighting against structures who have denied and violated our rights and even during the current situation, we affirm that we can still walk together shoulder to shoulder demanding our agendas to be guaranteed. We believe that Peace cannot be achieved without Social Justice and subsequently Social Justice cannot be attained without proportionate representation of all the groups.

We do not accept and recognize a Constituent Assembly Election without proportionate representation of all Nepali Women and we will continue our strong Peaceful movement until the government meets our demands:

1. The dates of the Constituent Assembly Election should be immediately declared;
2. Amend the interim constitution and ensure for  total proportionate Constituent Assembly Election;
3. Engage in immediate dialogue with conflicting parties and address their demands;
4. Reprimand those perpetrators identified by the Rayamajhi Commission as soon as possible;
5. Proportionate representation of women along with an independent electorate government  to hold elections should be established;
6. Ensure enabling environment for Constituent Assembly Election;
7. Denounce international interference in jeopardizing the peace process in Nepal ( statement of Asoke Mehta);

We will organize the following activities to continue our struggle:

• 9 October, Press Conference at 11 AM;
• 11 October, sit in protest in front of South Gate of Singh durbar;
• Organize various activities to pressurize the government until the Parliament declares date for the Constituent Assembly election  and amend constitution to make it fully proportionate;
• Other activities will be announced after the decision of special session of the Parliament on 11 October.

We, Women Activist, Women Human Rights Defenders request and invite individuals, groups, parties, journalists with social and human rights movement, labors, intellectuals, students, representations of various professional groups working in the issues of social justice and human rights to show your support and solidarity to the women's movement. 

Drafted by National Alliance of Women Human Rights Defenders Network, 8 October, 200