Interviews
1 MIN READ
Dalit women have to overcome many obstacles in order to lead. The story of Nanumaya Gandarva, an elected Dalit representative from Rambha Rural Municipality, Palpa.
The Local Election Act (LEA), 2017, has made provisions for every ward in both urban and rural municipalities to reserve two seats for women, one of which must be held by a Dalit woman. This translates into a total of 13,486 such posts for women, with 6,743 reserved exclusively for Dalit women. The election of Dalit women into leadership roles ushers a new era of increased participation of women, especially from marginalised communities, in the governance structure of the newly federalised nation.
Nanumaya Gandarva is one such elected Dalit representative who holds an executive position in Rambha Rural Municipality in Palpa. When she was first elected, Nanumaya found it to be a surreal experience. She had never aspired to become a political figure, but the Election Act gave her the opportunity to run, and now, she is a ward member increasingly involved in decisions that affect her municipality.
While the election of Dalit women in leadership role is something to be lauded, they still face social prejudices. Most of all, there seems to be general skepticism in women like Nanumaya’s ability to competently contribute in their elected roles. Patriarchal prejudices run just as deep, and there are fears aplenty that women who step out of their homes to work in leadership positions will become arrogant or get out of control.
In all this, Nanumaya gets unconditional support from her husband, who is aware of systemic injustices towards Dalits and women, and encourages her to stand up for herself as she faces both.
:::::::
Nisha Rai Rai has a decade-long experience working as a print, online, and radio reporter in Nepali and international media.
Photo Essays
7 min read
How the Rais of Bhojpur use alcohol to soften life’s blows
Features
7 min read
For the people of Susta Municipality, Abinash’s death is not an anomaly; it is part of a long-standing pattern of police harassment along the Nepal-India border.
Perspectives
7 min read
In a very short time, Clubhouse has become a popular app to hold discussions on a variety of topics but it is also rife with sexism.
Photo Essays
3 min read
Aging gracefully has little to do with skincare and facelifts; aging with dignity is about honoring your age, your journey, and your being.
COVID19
News
4 min read
A daily summary of all Covid19 related developments that matter
Photo Essays
7 min read
A centuries-old tradition of piercing the tongue in order to appease the gods continues to this day.
Features
3 min read
The official height of Everest was determined through the use of high-tech instruments and with Nepali surveyors making the dangerous climb to the top of the mountain
