ECAN Conclave: Minister emphasizes the need for 50% women’s representation

KATHMANDU: Minister for Women, Children, and Senior Citizens, Nawal Kishor Sudi, has stated that significant progress has been made in the field of women’s empowerment since the establishment of the Republic.

Speaking at the second Women Leadership Conclave organized by the Nepal Educational Consultancy Association (ECAN) on Tuesday at Hotel Hilton, he highlighted the substantial achievements in women’s participation and empowerment post-Republic establishment.

Minister Sudi noted that due to constitutional provisions, there has been an increase in women’s representation at the central, provincial, and local levels, with women holding 40% of leadership positions in local bodies.

“We have ensured 33% representation for women through the constitution, but that is not enough. The achievements gained so far need to be institutionalized, and we must ensure 50% participation,” he remarked.

He emphasized the need to further encourage the growing awareness among women in remote areas. Mentioning that 56% of the total voters who elected him were women, Minister Sudi asserted, “It is my responsibility to work for the rights and interests of the women who elected me. As a representative of the government, I am committed to increasing meaningful participation of women.”

He also recalled his tenure as a provincial minister, where he played a key role in enacting laws to allocate 50% of the Provincial Public Service Commission’s examination quota for women.

Minister Sudi informed that by October 6th, the ministry is preparing to bring together 1,000 women actively working in various sectors across the country to Kathmandu for leadership development and to raise awareness about the constitution and laws.

At the event, ECAN President Shesh Raj Bhattarai mentioned that the presence of women can strengthen any sector, which has been proven by the women active in the educational consultancy field. He stated, “Both men and women are equally capable. When given opportunities, women have already proven themselves in various fields. This event by ECAN further substantiates this reality.”

He emphasized that mere participation is not enough; meaningful participation is essential for genuine representation. He expressed ECAN’s view that women’s presence in policy-making bodies must be strong. He also expressed confidence that women’s participation would further strengthen the business sector.

During the event, various women entrepreneurs who have been active in the educational consultancy field for a long time and have made significant contributions at national and international levels were honored. Minister Sudi presented certificates, while President Bhattarai draped the honorees with ceremonial scarves.

Motivational speaker Dr. Namrata Pandey also addressed the participants, providing insights on how to balance work and personal life. She emphasized that although balancing private life, family, and professional life can be challenging for women, it can be managed through spirituality.

Among those honored were Dr. Santosh Agarwal, Rashmi Bhandari, Vijaya Chapagain, Sandhya Bhandari, Safala Tamrakar, Usha Shrestha, Kavita Pandey Paudel, Salina Thapa, and Sushma Acharya.

The event was attended by over 200 women involved in the educational consultancy sector, including former ECAN President Prakash Pandey, past presidents Bishnu Hari Pandey, Rajendra Pandey, and advisor Arun Lamichhane.