Women's meaningful participation in election stressed

Chief Election Commissioner Dinesh Kumar Thapaliya stressed women's participation should be made meaningful going beyond its evaluation in percentage.

At a launching of a book 'Status of Women in Nepal' hosted by the Nepal Women's Commission on Friday, he said women's participation should not be determined by only analyzing data rather it should be made meaningful.

"Women's participation should not be shrunk to data. Women composing over half a total population has low participation in election process. Matters, including citizenship acquisition, ballot paper, number of voters and capacity development affect meaningful participation of women", he viewed.

Efforts are on to increase women's participation in election, he said, expressing the commitment of the election commission to collaborate with the women's commission to further mainstreaming women's participation.

Also speaking on the occasion, NWC Chair Kamala Kumari Parajuli said the book has presented the women's status in an integrated manner. She informed that the book has showcased women's participation and representation in all three tiers of elections held last year.

NWC had started publishing the book 'Status of Women in Nepal' since last year. The thrust is to explore women's current status in Nepal. ---