Kathmandu, May 30:

A majority of women, who took part in a public hearing in Kathmandu today, said they were not sure whether women members of the 601-member Constituent Assembly would be able to address problems facing women. Women members comprise 33 per cent of the CA strength.

As one participant reasoned, the number of males in political parties is far greater than that of women. “We are not sure that our problems will be addressed,” she told the hearing organised by the National Women Commission and Pro-public. Pradip Gyawali of the UML said, “We have realised that women’s representation is quite important for any party,” he said.

Compared to political representation of women in the House, women’s participation in the CA is very high.

Nepali Congress leader Dr Minendra Rijal said, “The CA will definitely come up with ways for an all-round development of women.”

“The scenario has changed in the Sadbhavana Party as well,” Anil Jha of the party said, adding, “Compared to other Madhesi parties, we have a greater representation of women in the CA.”

Women in general are not as optimistic, though. “We are still not sure if we will be allowed to take part in the decision-making process,” they said.