Nepali women have been actively participating in establishing Democracy right from the 1990 people’s movement contributing to the end of panchayat system[1]. Though always undervalued, they still continued to join protest, rallies and civil actions in second “People’s movement 2006” that ultimately contributed to the abolishment of monarchy and establishment of Democracy. These historic movements contributed to development of constitution of Nepal 2007 which institutionalize minimum 33% representative of women in legislative bodies reinforcing gender inclusion at federal, provincial and local level. Despite the constitutional rights and decades of political struggle women candidates and voters continue to face systemic, structural and gender-based barriers that undermine their equal participation in electoral process.

It is deeply concerning how Nepali society often evaluates women politicians not by their ideas or leadership but their bodies, appearance, reproductive status, or age. Recent elections have shown that female candidates often face sexualized abuse, harassment, and digital shaming which is shifting the public debate from their political vision and qualifications to their person lives, appearance, or family status. There are sexually suggestive cartoons on targeted media platforms, discouraging their political participation and threatening their dignity [2]. Such treatment has violated internationally recognized standards for women’s political rights and equality, and creates a barrier to safe and inclusive participation of women in election [3].

In addition to that, the costly election campaigning is acting as a key barrier to women’s entrance to leadership. Though the election commission of Nepal has set spending limit, the implementation and enforcement remain weak. This affects women disproportionately who generally have less access to financial networks and economic resources. This reduces women’s opportunities to compete effectively and sustain political engagement across the multiple cycles of election [4]. Furthermore, the domination created by masculine model of election is often portrayed as a form of power, which undermines the self-esteem of women candidates.

Breaking all these barriers; even though women step up to come in leadership, they continue to face multidimensional security risks that go far beyond the physical security and expanding to harassments, digital abuse, psychological violence and attacks in their reputation; restricting their participation. Research done by Democratic center Nepal states that many women politicians experience psychological abuse, threats and public humiliation during campaigns, yet these forms of political gender-based violence remain inadequately addressed by the existing electoral and security mechanism.

The situation is no different in the context of Nepalese women voters. Although free and fair elections that require every voter exercise their vote independently, the patriarchal structure and community pressure often influence or restrict women’s choice at the ballot box. National gender assessments have identified that women experience forms of psychological and social correction affecting political decision rooted in entrenched social norms that devalue women’s autonomy [5].

Additionally, many women are denied citizenship as the law and practice make it difficult for them to prove their identity without a document of father or husband. Young women are discouraged from getting citizenships out of fear that they might claim parental inheritance. This discrimination also stops women from being able to vote denying their basic political rights.

Discrimination, exclusion and gender biases in electoral contexts not only affect political outcomes but impacts overall equitable and meaningful participation of women in Nepal’s democratic system. These challenges breach the commitments made in Constitution of Nepal and international human right standards on gender equality and political participation.

Therefore, we call upon:

1. Election literacy and awareness to ensure dissemination of election literacy materials such as manifesto and encourage women to claim their rights including active engagement in elections.
2. Establish clear and gender sensitive arrangements for women candidates according to their specific circumstances ensuring accessibility, safety, and equitable support during the campaigns.
3. Implement strict monitoring mechanism to regulate election campaign spending and prevent misuse of practices related to finances and power that disadvantage women candidates.
4. Safeguard women’s Constitutional right to vote ensuring that no voter is prevented from casting their vote and elect a candidate of their choice. This should be a continuous and systemic process to prevent any structural barrier including denial of citizenship.
5. Ensure institutional measures to punish individuals or groups that make derogatory, sexualized, or gender-based comments against women candidates.
6. All stages of electoral process, including voter registration, campaigning, polling and result dissemination must be fully accessible and polling centers must be designed and managed in a manner that guarantees inclusivity and dignity for all citizens.
7. GBV does not stop during election. Establish a comprehensive safety and security measures to prevent violence, harassment, or threats against women candidates, voters, and WHRDs with particular attention to women with intersecting social identities, ensuring a safe, inclusive electoral environment. The concerns of potential violence and misuse of weapons including those reportedly lost and stolen during the Gen-z movement has heightened the public anxiety which might result in discourage voters from exercising their voting rights particularly women, marginalized communities and first-time voters. It is therefore important that the concerned authority take proactive, transparent, gender sensitive measures to ensure a fear free, peaceful and secure environment during election.

[1] https://nepjol.info/index.php/jdr/article/view/75892

[2] https://kathmandupost.com/politics/2026/02/01/women-election-candidates-in-nepal-face-abuse-and-vitriol

[3] https://ehrc.org/gender-based-hate-speech-and-violence-against-women-participating-in-electoral-processes-must-be-prevented/

[4] https://thediplomat.com/2025/08/why-women-in-nepal-cant-afford-to-stay-in-politics

[5] https://asiapacific.unwomen.org/sites/default/files/2023-07/np-cgep-nepal-s.pdf