Bhandary vows to work for women

By Our Reporter Indira Bhandary, a Nepali Congress candidate vying for the Kathmandu Metropolis Ward 8 member under open competition has stressed on women's participation in the various levels of decision making which is an essential prerequisite for the establishment of equality, development and peace in the society. Talking to this weekly about her agenda, she said the majority of population in Neal is of women yet they are deprived of participation in the various levels of decision making. Women are capable enough to shoulder any responsibility if they are given an opportunity. "The political space is monopolized by men which has barred us from political participation and progress," she argues. She vowed to work for the benefit and betterment of women at her ward who are deprived of enjoying fruits of development and democracy. Welcoming the mandatory provisions of the new constitution that has encouraged thousands of women to join politics, though at the very local level, is of great significance. She identified some main reasons for low political participation of women in politics which are patriarchal values and norms, lack of institutional and family support, lack of security, criminalization in politics, multiple burdens. "Some challenges relating to women’s development include deeply rooted traditional values and belief; lack of enough resources, family support, meaningful participation; discriminatory legal provisions; weak monitoring and evaluation; less self confidence in women; difficulty to accept women’s leadership; lack of effective institutions; institutional inefficiency and less opportunities for women, " she states. She vows to work for the overall development of her constituency, strengthening gender main streaming in all sectors of development process, service delivery and governance system; strengthening Gender Budgeting System, ensuring women’s meaningful participation in conflict resolution and peace establishment; initiating programmes and campaigns like violence and discrimination against women. She urges the voters, specially the women to cast their votes with their conscience and choose the right candidate. "Don't be influenced by any party, act at your will," she suggests.