Kathmandu, June 22

Women rights activist Bandana Rana was elected member of the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women yesterday.

Rana is the first Nepali to be elected as a member of UN CEDAW. Earlier, the government had nominated Sapana Pradhan Malla, lead human rights lawyer and former Constituent Assembly member, for CEDAW but she failed to secure enough votes.

Rana received 106 votes in the election held yesterday in New York.

The CEDAW is a UN body comprising independent experts who monitor implementation of CEDAW. CEDAW committee consists of 23 women rights experts from around the world.

During its sessions, the committee considers each state party report and addresses its concerns and makes recommendations in the form of concluding observations.

Expressing joy after being elected, Rana said on her Facebook page, “Honored to be the first Nepali candidate to serve in the UN CEDAW. Feeling so blessed to have traversed this journey with some dedicated people. Met amazingly passionate individuals and diplomats who encouraged and empowered me no matter how formidable the odds.”

She also expressed her gratitude to the government for having confidence in her. The government had nominated her for the post in March this year.

She will be serving as a member of the committee from January 1, 2017 to 2020.

Currently, she is strategic director at Saathi, a non-government organisation working for women rights. Earlier, she also worked as media person for Nepal Television. She is the former president of Sancharika Samuha.