Pradhan is the first Nepali lady to contest for the post on behalf of Nepal government. [break]
There will be 12 vacancies in the committee, which altogether has 23 seats, due to conclusion of terms of the members in December 2010. The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Nepal (OHCHR-N) has already urged all the stakeholders to support Malla.
The cabinet meeting few weeks ago approved Malla´s name and forwarded her candidacy for elections to the CEDAW committee.
“It is a sincere effort on part of the government to participate in international treaty monitoring bodies and also an assurance that Nepal will adhere, uphold, respect and promote women´s rights in all processes of establishment and stabilization of democratic governance,” reads the OHCHR announcement paper.
“I need encouraging lobbying from the government,” Pradhan, said.
There are a total of 186 state parties to the convention on CEDAW. A quorum for any meeting of these state parties is constituted of 2/3 of the total number states. Election of members of the committee on the CEDAW is held by secret ballot. Nominees who obtain the largest number of votes and an absolute majority are elected to the committee.
Malla has long been advocating for justice, equity and opportunities for women in the country.
Related story
Ranahăr: Historical fiction on the last Malla king
