Changing the narrative is not just about representation-it is about constructing a political culture that values and utilises women's contributions
At the beginning of January, 2024, only 27 countries were led by women, marking a modest increase from 18 countries a decade ago. Despite some progress, women remain significantly underrepresented in positions of power. In 2024, women hold just 23.3 per cent of cabinet roles globally-a rise of less than 0.5 per cent from the previous year-and are often confined to portfolios focussed on gender equality, family, social affairs and minority issues. Meanwhile, key policy areas like economic affairs, defense, justice and home affairs are still overwhelmingly dominated by men.
UN Women's latest data highlights how deeply gender inequality persists, especially in leadership. While women make up 32.5 per cent of cabinet ministers in Europe and North America, they represent only 16 per cent in Oceania and a mere 15.3 per cent in Eastern and South-Eastern Asia.
While Europe was developing democratic societies, women's leadership became the norm after long reforms and societal changes. On the other hand, the Nepali democratic culture is still under the influence of patriarchal norms that push women to the sidelines in politics. Even though our constitution promulgates a 33 per cent quota for women's representation in both the local and federal government in theory, it is not followed in practice. It's not that women are not present in government, but their representation is symbolic. If we see the distribution, it's clear that women are given the position solely to comply with the 33 per cent quota. Despite their presence, the decision-making power is purely dominated by men – making women's voices unheard.
Our society and thinking have limited the understanding of women's leadership and women's participation in politics. Even the Social/Nepali books that are taught in school have just a few examples featuring women, which restricts the perspectives of students in areas where their only credible sources of awareness and education are the books. We grew up listening to stories of kings' achievements and not those of the queens. This narrative gap directly affects how young women envision their political futures, stifling their ambitions from an early age. All these social beliefs, cultural expectations and institutionalised societal norms are limiting women's participation in Nepali politics. Besides this educational exclusion, women have been practically invisible in the political sector where they are not represented in the most important decision-making roles.
Whenever we discuss women's involvement in politics, one key factor that arises is political literacy. In developing countries like Nepal, women, especially those from marginalised communities, often lack access to education. As a result, their level of political literacy remains quite low. The absence of proper education on how political systems function and the lack of opportunities to engage in political discourse leave women excluded from the political arena. This only reinforces the notion that they are disconnected from the state. Even when women are given opportunities through quotas, they sometimes struggle to build strong narratives. This challenge is not limited to women alone; even male candidates face similar issues. Enhancing political literacy among women would empower them to construct compelling narratives, understand their rights and responsibilities, and navigate power structures. Moreover, it would inspire young girls to take an interest in politics, prompting them to ask questions of their MPs and stay informed about political hierarchies.
To empower young women in politics, it is essential to provide them with opportunities for leadership, mentorship and education. Research from UN Women indicates that female legislators are more likely to introduce bills on social welfare, gender equality and environmental protection. Moreover, grassroots movements and community engagement can assist women in the acquisition of leadership skills. Women's involvement at the local government level and decision-making at the community level can be a springboard to larger political positions.
A crucial part of empowering women in politics is building the right narrative. Women need to see themselves as leaders, change-makers and decision-makers not as participants only. Creating a narrative that celebrates the contributions of women in politics, while also challenging the patriarchal structures that hold them back, is essential for changing societal attitudes. It's about embedding the democratic values of equality, representation and justice in the political system.
Changing the narrative is not just about representation-it is about constructing a political culture that values and utilises women's contributions. Media campaigns, storytelling and public awareness initiatives can all play a role in shifting the narrative around women's political participation. Through highlighting the stories of women leaders, we can uplift the spirit of upcoming female politicians, especially in Nepal. By shifting the narrative, we can construct a political climate that appreciates and avails of the inputs from women, and consequently, we can experience better governance that is more inclusive and efficient.
The political future of Nepal will only show signs of improvement with more and deeper inclusion as well as fair representation of women, especially young ones. While quotas have helped bring more women into politics, real empowerment requires much more than just numerical representation. By addressing the barriers that are currently faced by women, investing in political literacy and developing stories that can be used as tools, Nepal can build a political system where women become an important part of the decision-making processes and be active and equal partners in the task of nation-building.
