Planning Meeting Held on Inclusive Participation in Law-Making Process

Kathmandu- A planning meeting focused on ensuring meaningful participation of youth, women, and marginalized communities in the law-making process was held in Kathmandu.

The meeting took place on Magh 20, 2082 at the office of Mahila Sewa Sanstha, Kathmandu. Participants discussed the importance, relevance, and necessity of inclusive participation in the formulation of laws.

The program was attended by representatives of various political parties, journalists, and members of gender and sexual minority communities. Addressing the meeting, Advocate Bhawana Bhatt, President of Mahila Sewa Sanstha Nepal, highlighted the objectives, significance, and relevance of the program.

Participants held interactive discussions on the status of women’s participation in politics and electoral processes, women’s representation in the House of Representatives and direct elections, future strategies, joint planning, and collective advocacy.

Participants expressed concern that women and marginalized communities have seen limited participation in the upcoming House of Representatives elections due to the dissolution of Parliament following the Gen Z movement on Bhadra 23 and 24. The meeting also explored possible initiatives to address this issue.

The participants noted that women continue to face multiple barriers to direct and meaningful participation in politics. Patriarchy and unequal distribution of property were identified as major underlying causes. There was a shared emphasis on the need to effectively implement existing legal provisions and advocate for stronger and more impactful policies.

The meeting was facilitated by Leela Sharma, Secretary of Mahila Sewa Sanstha. The program concluded with an evaluation and summary presented by Supreeya Joshi, a member of Mahila Sewa Sanstha Nepal.