By Susan Arjyal Koirala

Biratnagar, Nepal – In a country where political leadership has long been dominated by men from privileged backgrounds, Pramila Gachhadar stands as a beacon of hope for the marginalized Tharu community. A dedicated leader accomplished academic, and a staunch advocate for inclusivity, she has carved a distinct identity in Nepal’s political landscape.

In a society where women from marginalized communities often struggle to make their voices heard, Pramila Kumari Gachhadar has emerged as a beacon of inspiration. Hailing from the Tharu community of Biratnagar Metropolitan Ward No. 4, Gachhadar has defied societal and political odds to establish herself as a prominent leader. She currently serves as a member of the Provincial Planning Commission of Koshi Pradesh, Nepal where she actively engages in policy formulation, focusing on sustainable development, social justice, and economic empowerment and as the Joint-General Secretary of Nepali Congress, Koshi Pradesh, Gachhadar plays a vital role in shaping the region’s political discourse where she actively engages in raising the voice of women rights in politics, focusing on sustainable development, social justice, and economic empowerment.

Gachhadar’s journey has been marked by determination, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to uplift her community. She pursued higher education against all challenges and earned a Ph.D. in Botany from Tribhuvan University—an achievement that stands as a testament to her dedication to knowledge and progress. She is the first woman in the Tharu community who achieved a Ph.D. in Botany.

A Scholar with a Vision

Despite the socio-economic barriers faced by Tharu women, Gachhadar remained steadfast in her pursuit of education. She broke stereotypes and pursued her academic dreams, ultimately obtaining her doctorate. She focused on socio-economic development, particularly the challenges faced by indigenous and marginalized communities in Nepal.

Her academic excellence and deep understanding of grassroots issues paved the way for her entry into the policy-making sphere. As a member of the Provincial Planning Commission, she plays a vital role in shaping policies that directly impact the lives of the people in Koshi Pradesh.

A Voice for the Marginalized

Gachhadar has always been a strong advocate for social inclusion, gender equality, and community empowerment. Through her position, she has actively worked to ensure that marginalized communities, including the Tharu people, receive the recognition and support they deserve in Nepal’s development agenda.

“I believe education and policy-making go hand in hand. If we want real change, we need to create policies that are informed by research and grounded in the realities of the people,” says Gachhadar.

Her leadership has been instrumental in pushing forward progressive policies that address land rights, economic opportunities, and better access to education for marginalized groups.

Inspiring a New Generation

Pramila Gachhadar’s story is not just one of personal success; it is a story of hope for countless young women who aspire to break free from traditional societal limitations. By proving that women from indigenous backgrounds can lead, she has become a role model for the next generation of leaders.

Her journey from a small community in Biratnagar to a key policy-making role in Koshi Pradesh exemplifies the power of education, perseverance, and leadership. As she continues to champion the rights of the underprivileged, Gachhadar stands as a shining example of how dedication and determination can pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable society.

With her inspiring journey and relentless efforts, Pramila Gachhadar continues to break barriers and pave the way for future generations of women in politics. As Nepal progresses towards a more inclusive democracy, leaders like her serve as a reminder that true change comes from perseverance, education, and a deep commitment to the people.

Excerpts of her interview as given below:

Q. Your journey from the Tharu community in Biratnagar to a key policymaking role in Koshi Pradesh is truly inspiring. What motivated you to enter politics, and what challenges did you face along the way?

Ans: I was born in the Ramganj Belgachia village in Sunsari district. I studied up to class 5 there. After that, I continued my studies at Gograha Higher Secondary School, Bargachhi, Biratnagar. I am also the first Tharu woman to pass M.Sc in the first division. I am also the first woman to hold a PhD in Botany among the Tharu community. I believe in hard work and dedication. I am unwavering in my responsibility. My parents wanted me to be a medical doctor, that's what I wanted too but I couldn't. Honestly speaking, politics was not my area of interest. I did not like politics initially as it was said “Politics is a dirty game”. Later after being aware of politics, I felt that politics and politicians have key roles for the development of the country.

Everyone should be aware of politics. Later I felt young honest, educated; and energetic people must come to politics. As it is said if you want to clean a dirty pond, you should go inside the water. Formally I have been part of the party for more than 20 years, currently, I am joint-secretary of the Koshi Pradesh committee of the Nepali Congress Party.

There are many challenges for women in politics in male-dominated countries. Economic, social, and cultural obstacles occur to almost all women. With all the challenges, struggling, carrying my responsibilities honestly, and maintaining continuity and coordination with my family, friends and leaders. I want to stress the need for political parties to create an environment that leads women to the leadership level.

"Women need to create an environment where they feel that I am entering politics and reaching the leadership level." For this, the support of political parties is necessary.

Q. As a Ph.D. holder in Botany, how has your academic background influenced your approach to policy-making, particularly in sustainable development and environmental conservation?

Ans: Sustainable development is about prioritizing the environment. Sustainable development is meeting the needs of the present generation without compromising the needs of future generations. Earth's natural resources—water, land, forests, soil, air, light, minerals, plants, and animals—protect human life. The natural order is maintained. When the environment is overused beyond its capacity for equilibrium, issues occur.

Nowadays Climate change is a global problem, not just a national one. The rich and developed countries contribute more than the poor and least developed countries of the world. The major environmental problems of Nepal are desertification, pollution, loss of biodiversity, Loss of weight layer, acid rain, molecular winter, greenhouse impact and many more. The knowledge I gained from my academic background will help me to catch up on these issues.

Q. Marginalized communities, including the Tharu people, have historically faced socio-economic disadvantages. What specific policies or initiatives have you championed to address their issues?

Ans: The marginalized communities are those who are socially, politically, educationally, and economically backward. Sexual minorities are marginalized communities. The obstacles to Nepal's development are economic and social inequality and marginalization. Today demands to build a Nepali society with sustainable inclusive and non-discriminatory social justice by removing the existing economic and social inequalities and marginalization by ensuring justice in the distribution of development returns by ensuring the quality of access to resources and services.

Marginalization is the situation in which the economic, social, and material resources of the state are not accessible to the people and are marginalized from the social benefits. The need of the hour is to build an inclusive participatory government and society.

In addition to the Act and the Directive, various national and international laws, the Constitution of

Nepal, government policies and programs have emphasized the empowerment of the target class and community in the past. However, there is no effective implementation. It can take necessary steps to bring development to the mainstream by formulating effective policies and programmes for the upliftment of socially backward classes and communities. Organizations advocating for the rights of marginalized communities and civic leaders need to monitor this. All stakeholders need to come up with effective policies and programmes to mobilise the marginalised communities at the local level. The local level should also allocate a budget to the programs and schemes targeted by the Act-rule for the upliftment of economically and socially backward communities. And, social testing should be made mandatory to check its effective implementation.

Q. Women in Nepali politics often struggle with gender biases and systemic challenges. What advice would you give to young women, especially from indigenous communities, who aspire to enter politics and leadership roles?

Ans: With the implementation of the constitution, including the federal system, one-third of the federal and provincial legislatures and 40% of the local level participation of women has been ensured. Various studies have also shown that although such constitutional and legal provisions have increased women's participation at the leadership level has been disappointing. Due to the patriarchal social structure and inadequate support system, women still face many challenges in entering politics, staying active and reaching the leadership level. In line with the spirit of the Constitution and the principle of proportional representation, it is necessary for the government of Nepal, political parties and the Election Commission to be serious in implementing the current law and making progressive laws to increase women's participation in politics.

Youth and women who are capable, educated and can take leadership should be promoted because the responsibilities and roles of the state and federal representatives are different from those of the local level representatives.

Politics is not easy for women. Because women's lives have a little more practical complexity than men's. After marriage, a woman has to spend some time with her family and children. And it's an energetic time. But there is a long way to go in politics. Women's entry into politics is mainly to shed light on the path of their dignified life. There are opportunities for women in politics. A young person is full of energy and enthusiasm. He has to get into politics. The role of women in politics is very important, from making state policies to running the state.

However, men are still considered first class and women second class. Recognizing this confusion also requires the leadership of young women.

However, this is not a problem for young people. There are also opportunities. Young people themselves should believe in politics, if we don't do it, who will? Therefore, the young generation must join politics directly or indirectly. By raising their voice themselves, the country should move forward towards development and the state structure. There should be more participation of women in politics at the highest level of the state. Reaching the youth at the state policy-making level also means developing the country quickly.

Q. Looking ahead, what are your key priorities for Koshi Pradesh, and how do you envision bringing long-term positive change to the region’s social and economic landscape?

Ans: Agriculture and forestry, mining and manufacturing, electricity, construction, tourism, transport, information and communication systems, education and health are the main contributors to economic growth. For a clean, happy and prosperous state, there is a need to increase investment in social development, including education, health, employment and social security. Public, private and community service delivery in the province should be made citizen-friendly to create an environment in which every citizen can feel peace, security and good governance.

To promote Koshi as an attractive tourist destination in the country, programs should be carried out to develop and promote tourist infrastructure, identify and promote Himalayan tourist footpaths, adapt and reduce the impact of climate change on Nepal, etc.

High-value farming programs for the modernization and commercialization of the agricultural sector, focusing on the commercialization of animal products.

Increasing production and productivity, creating job opportunities and stimulating the economy.

Promoting local production and creating jobs by establishing and strengthening small, domestic and micro-enterprises while increasing access to capital, technology, and information for operating industries.

Promoting the establishment and operation of local raw material-based manufacturing industries through entrepreneurship development.

Tourism development is an important area of income generation and employment through the conservation, promotion and management of natural, historical, cultural, religious and archaeological tourist destinations under construction and established in the province.

The main responsibility of the Provincial Planning Commission is to prepare the environment for investment through long-term thinking, formulation of factual policies and plans, monitoring and evaluation of policies, plans, projects and programs of the provincial government, coordination at all levels, study research and exploration, necessary coordination and consultation for investment.

The interviewer can be reached at: susanbrt977@gmail.com