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
4 min read
Kathmandu, our eternally bustling capital, has been lulled into sleep by the forbidding coronavirus
Perspectives
22 min read
There is still a need for an extensive overhaul of the law and the language of the law in order to address the inequalities faced by the trans and broader PoMSOGIESC community in Nepal
COVID19
Perspectives
6 min read
Decentralised governance has helped abate the Covid19 crisis
Features
6 min read
Many migrant families in Kathmandu share cramped flats with each other, making physical distancing and self-quarantining impossible
Features
4 min read
Maina Sunar case will set precedent for Army trials in civilian court
COVID19
News
3 min read
A daily summary of Covid19 related developments that matter
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.
Features
COVID19
3 min read
Of late, the government has become far too lax about Covid-19 protocols