Nepal is at a crossroads in its journey toward gender equality in politics and policy-making bodies. Constitutional provisions, including quotas, have led to a numerical rise in women's representation in the public sector, marking a positive departure from the previously exclusionary structure. Yet, the culture of exclusion and disparity remains, as numbers alone don’t translate into equality. They may show a positive trend but fail to reflect the actual situation.

Consider, for instance, the data from the National Women’s Commission (NWC) on the representation of women in politics. A total of 14,445 women won various posts in the 2022 local elections and are now in the local governments. This looks impressive, but considering that many of these posts are reserved for women by law, this figure appears elusive. Moreover, only 25 and 568 women won mayoral and deputy mayoral positions in 753 local units, respectively. Similarly, 69 women won the post of ward president, while 442 women were elected as ward members (other than the reserved women quota). From the reserved women’s quota, 6,732 women and 6,610 Dalit women were elected ward members.

The NWC explains why and how: The law reserves a certain number of posts for women, specifically for Dalit women, and political parties must nominate only women candidates for these categories. But “when it came to the free competition category, political parties prioritised men and pushed women back.”

The figure in the House of Representatives (HoR) in federal parliament and in provincial assemblies shows a similar picture. Out of 165 posts in HoR under the first-past-the-post (FPTP) category, there were only nine directly elected women. Only one (male) was elected from the Dalit community, one from Tharu and one from Gurung communities (both males). In provinces, of the total 330 provincial lawmakers, only 14 were women and only one Dalit woman. We have only two female judges in the 16-member panel in the Supreme Court, only 18 among 121 judges in the High Court and only 17 in district courts, while men account for 255.

A separate study by Dignity Initiative, a research organisation, shows that Khas-Arya males hold 47 percent of seats (FPTP and PR combined) in HoR, while 27 percent of seats are occupied by Khas-Arya females. Madheshi women have 16 percent, and Dalit women have 5.82 percent. Across provinces, the Khas-Arya community controls a percentage ranging from 44 to 80, except in Madhesh province.

Impeding factors

These figures suggest that discriminatory attitudes continue to impede women once they hold senior roles or are elected to high offices. Men from dominant castes continue to occupy key positions in municipal governments, sidelining women and members of Dalit, ethnic and religious minorities. The representation system, meant to empower women, disproportionately benefits those from upper castes. This tokenistic approach has left women struggling to assert themselves in political spaces, facing challenges within their families and communities.

It also shows that increasing numbers alone won't dismantle the deeply entrenched patriarchal norms that inhibit gender inequality. We are still on this journey of achieving true equality and inclusion. Cultural acceptance must match apparent gains in political and constitutional representation to foster true gender equality. For example, quotas have led to more than 40 percent of local representatives elected in 2017 and 2022 being women, but this has not led to their meaningful representation at the decision-making level. Most women hold deputy mayor and deputy chairperson positions, and only a few hold top-level positions like mayor or chairperson. Likewise, women elected in the Dalit women quota complain that they don’t get a space in decision-making at the local level.

Nepali society, with its deeply entrenched patriarchal values, harshly judges and monitors women's behaviour, particularly in public spheres. To genuinely empower women, a deeper confrontation with cultural barriers is essential. Numbers, while a positive step, cannot address the pervasive gender bias ingrained in social structures. The fight for genuine empowerment of women requires challenging and transforming the harmful and discriminatory socio-cultural norms and values that perpetuate gender inequality.

The Comprehensive Peace Accord recognised that true inclusion, not only in terms of gender but also class, ethnicity and other areas was necessary to support a sustainable peace. While women have found new roles under constitutional provisions, patriarchal social norms have proved pervasive. These norms restrict individuals to predefined roles based on gender, creating inherent inequalities.

Patriarchal social norms, extending across global, national and local power structures, are persistent barriers to positive peace. While quotas in Nepal contribute to increased representation, they fall short of dismantling patriarchal values within political institutions. Women, often perceived as token figures, face patronisation and are seen as less capable, perpetuating gender biases.

Beyond numbers

Transformative change demands a holistic approach, moving beyond increasing women’s numbers in political roles to challenging and reshaping gender norms and behaviours. Achieving true gender equality requires policies that foster an environment where women are respected, valued and treated as equals. Dismantling patriarchal values is paramount, as they perpetuate a cycle of inequality, reinforcing rigid roles and behaviours.

The societal impact of patriarchy extends beyond the workplace into homes, public service institutions, political spheres and communities. To break down these barriers, comprehensive efforts to challenge ingrained attitudes and behaviours are needed from an early age. Home, community, education, media representation and corporate policies are pivotal in reshaping societal norms. Gender-sensitive curricula, diverse media portrayals and inclusive workplace policies contribute to challenging stereotypes.

In Nepal, governmental and political party initiatives must surpass quotas, including comprehensive gender-sensitive training for politicians and officials. Addressing cultural barriers requires grassroots initiatives that empower women and challenge harmful societal norms. Engaging with local communities, community leaders, religious figures and educators is essential for a cultural shift towards recognising and respecting women's agency.