Kathmandu, June 8:

Madhesi women members of the Constituent Assembly say female participation in law-making should be increased to 50 per cent through reservation. Women currently make up one-third of the CA members.

“We have come a long way but we still have some miles to go because 33 per cent is not enough,” said Junu Mahato, a UML representative in the Assembly. “Now onwards, we will fight for 50 per cent reservation,” she said, addressing a programme organised by Madhesi Mahila Samaj to felicitate the Madhesi women in the Constituent Assembly.

Former Speaker of Interim Parliament Subas Nembang and senior republican leader Ram Raja Prasad Singh Prasad jointly felicitated the Madhesi women representatives at the function.

“We had committed 33 per cent reservations for women, which was a great decision, but their overwhelming participation proved that women today are equally capable and they can participate actively in any sector of our society,” said Nembang.

Representative of Nepal Janata Dal Gayatri Sah said women had become a crucial factor for the development of the nation now. Even in the 21st century the Nepali women are suffering in our society, whether in the financial sector or in politics. “Women in our country are in a critical condition. Not only Madhesi women but all the women are being dominated due to lack of education,” said Renu Yadav of Madhesi Janadhikar Forum. “Women get less opportunities. It’s Jana Andolan-II that fetched us our rights. It’s not a battle with only the male dominated society but also with our culture,” she added.

“Women in Tarai are still facing the dowry menace.” The problem of women is common: It’s not that women from different regions have different problems, they all share the same woes,”said CA member Basanti Jha.