Substantive Representation of Women Parliamentarians and Gender Equality in Nepal

Abstract

This chapter makes use of qualitative methods and primary data, namely semi-structured interviews focusing on women’s participation in Nepalese politics. Nepal has put in place provisions to include women and members of other marginalized communities in parliament and other state leadership positions. Women’s participation in politics remains a challenge globally as women continue to remain invisible in decision-making bodies. Representation of women in parliament should not be merely limited to descriptive participation; instead, it should be more focused on substantive representation. The societal belief that men should be the ones in powerful political position also discourages women to participate in politics and work for gender equality. Women’s lack of engagement in politics is mostly due to a lack of political education along with constraints put on women to labor solely within the home. It is difficult to work for women’s empowerment when women political leaders are still struggling to find their voice in parliament.