"Lasting Peace Can Be Restored By Greater Women Involvement in Peace Process"

Traditionally marginalised, women of Nepal have the new opportunity to join the mainstream of national development. As the country prepares to write a new constitution through Constituent Assembly, Nepali women, too, have the historic opportunity of realising their true potentials. Babita Basnet is the president of Sancharika Samuha – a Women Communicators' Group. A well-known journalist and women's rights activist, Basnet spoke with Sanjaya Dhakal of Nepalnews on the eve of the international women's day (March 8) about the contemporary issues facing Nepali women and how they can make use of the tremendous opportunities ahead.

How are you preparing for this year's International Women's Day?

This year they have chosen the theme of "Violence Against Women and End of Impunity." They couldn't have chosen better theme for us Nepali women. Sancharika Samuha along with other NGOs and the government will be organising various programs like rallies, distribution of pamphlets and so on. We will be mobilising the Shanti Mallika – women for peace – group to spread words about the need to involve women in peace process and constitution-making process. Although peace pacts have been signed, Nepali people have not been able to feel peace in their lives. We believe that peace can be restored by ensuring greater involvement of women in every step of the peace process.

Are you satisfied with the current level of involvement of women in important matters like constitution writing?

No, we are not satisfied at all. Just look at the process of writing interim constitution. They nominated women members in the drafting committee only under pressure. It does not appear that our leaders have right attitude towards ensuring participation, representation and involvement of women. They only engage in lip-service.

How would the involvement of women bring about any change?

We believe that women have the capacity to stop counter-revolution from happening. Nepali people did not end this conflict so that a new war could be waged. There is a total anarchy-like situation in the country at present. We believe women should be given greater role in restoring durable peace.

What are the issues of Nepali women in the forthcoming CA polls?

We have demanded that there should be proportional representation of women at the CA. Women, Dalits, Janajatis and Madhesis should be included proportionally. Moreover, the women should not merely be included as showpiece. Rather they should be given the decision-making power so that their presence can actually be fruitful. For the purpose of spreading information and raising awareness among women, Sancharika Samuha is launching campaigns to educate them about the CA and inform them how important the CA is. We are using different tools like street drama, radio and TV programs for this purpose.

What have been the achievements and weaknesses of women's movement in Nepal?

Our greatest achievement is that many women have now become capable of speaking out. They are aware about their rights. We also have many weaknesses among which I think the lack of unity is the biggest one. At every level, people who care for the women's rights and who have been engaged in women's movement remain divided on various political and other lines. We cannot be successful until we are united for our cause. nepalnews.com Mar 07 07

(Editor’s Note: Nepalnews will continue this column by talking to officials, professionals, politicians, businessmen, diplomats, those who make outstanding achievements in their chosen field and newsmakers. Please post your suggestions/comments to feedback@mos.com.np)

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