Contesting Patriarchy: The gender gap and gender-based violence in Nepali politics and the Constituent Assembly Elections 2013

This study from Nepal by International IDEA identifies gender gaps and barriers which undermine women’s ability to realize their full potential in politics. It looks at both systemic barriers, particularly gender-based violence, and obstacles inherent to the electoral process. The key findings include the following:

• A number of legal gaps hinder women’s equal participation in politics.
• Low gender sensitivity with political parties prevents women from influencing decisions.
• Women in politics in Nepal are undermined by character assassination and misogyny.
• A lack of financial resources further hampers women’s success in politics.
• The limited availability of female polling and security officers discourages women from participating in elections and politics.
• Psychological gender-based violence is common in Nepali politics, but is not as punishable offence.
• The Nepali police have limited capacity to investigate violence against women active in politics.

These findings clearly indicate that the barriers to women’s participation in politics are intractable, multifaceted and multidimensional. Ending the marginalization of and discrimination against women in political life requires concerted efforts from all sectors of society. The study concludes with useful recommendations for realistic and achievable actions on this vital issue.