The first local elections in nearly 20 years are taking place in Nepal. Under the new constitution, local bodies have substantial clout - they will draft laws, collect certain taxes and even have some judicial powers.
Nearly 20,000 women are standing for election in the first phase on 14 May. Women must fill certain positions in the local administrations and this has driven strong female engagement across Nepal, especially among women under 30.
The BBC spoke to three young female candidates who want to end the dominance of older men:
- Ranju Darshana, 21, mayoral candidate for Kathmandu from Bibeksheel Nepali party.
- Kabita Dhungana, 27, standing for deputy mayor in Belkotgadi, Nuwakot from Maoist Centre party.
- Durga Kisan, 26, Nepali Congress candidate for Baglung Municipality-6 in the Dalit Women category.
Click here to read their stories published by the BBC on 11 May 2017.
The first local elections in nearly 20 years are taking place in Nepal. Under the new constitution, local bodies have substantial clout - they will draft laws, collect certain taxes and even have some judicial powers.
Nearly 20,000 women are standing for election in the first phase on 14 May. Women must fill certain positions in the local administrations and this has driven strong female engagement across Nepal, especially among women under 30.
The BBC spoke to three young female candidates who want to end the dominance of older men:
- Ranju Darshana, 21, mayoral candidate for Kathmandu from Bibeksheel Nepali party.
- Kabita Dhungana, 27, standing for deputy mayor in Belkotgadi, Nuwakot from Maoist Centre party.
- Durga Kisan, 26, Nepali Congress candidate for Baglung Municipality-6 in the Dalit Women category.
Click here to read their stories published by the BBC on 11 May 2017.