Women in the Parliament: Changing Gender Dynamics in the Political Sphere in Nepal

Abstract

Nepal saw a significant increase in women’s participation in politics in 2008. Women won 33% of the seats in the first Constitution Assembly (CA) election held in 2008. It was a historic achievement and a radical transformation in the political sphere of Nepal. Currently, women are appointed in various key positions. This chapter analyzes the complex, multifaceted, and nonlinear nature of the lived experiences of women parliamentarians in Nepal. It also examines whether women’s increased presence in the parliament has made any difference to the political sphere, especially in regard to making key legislative changes. It also aims to shed light on the changing gender relations within the political sphere, with a particular focus on the ways in which male and female lawmakers perceive each other. This chapter is based on author’s interviews with 32 women parliamentarians in Nepal.