PM Oli's tenure sees four women ascend to top roles in Nepal’s politics and judiciary

Published On: July 28, 2024 10:00 AM NPT By: Tapendra Karki

KATHMANDU, July 28: The country set a new record on Thursday when the government appointed Lila Devi Gadtaula as the chief secretary, the highest position in the civil administration. She became the first woman to attain this coveted position. However, women have already held leadership roles at the highest levels of politics and the judiciary.

It can be considered a coincidence that during the tenure of KP Sharma Oli as the prime minister, four women had the opportunity to lead the country's administration, politics, and judiciary. At the time when women were taking leadership positions in all three major areas in Nepal, Oli was the prime minister.

Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari was elected as the head of the state during KP Sharma Oli’s tenure as prime minister. Bhandari was elected as Nepal's first female President and the country’s second president on October 28, 2015. Oli was again the prime minister when she was nominated for the post for a second term. According to the CPN-UML central member Bishnu Rijal, Onsari Gharti Magar was elected as the speaker of the House on October 16, 2015. At that time, she won the position with the support of the UML and other parties. Although she was nominated by the then CPN (Maoist Center), the country's executive head at that time was Oli.

The Constitutional Council meeting, chaired by KP Sharma Oli himself, appointed Sushila Karki as the chief justice on July 11, 2016. Although Sushila Karki was appointed as the chief justice on seniority basis, it was a coincidence that Oli was the prime minister at that time too. Later, when the Nepali Congress and the Maoist Center attempted to remove Karki from her position by filing a baseless impeachment motion, Oli strongly opposed it in parliament.

KP Sharma Oli appointed UML Vice Chairman Astalaxmi Shakya as the chief minister of Bagmati Province on August 18, 2021.

Similarly, Lila Devi Gadtaula, who is set to go on mandatory retirement on August 30, was appointed as the first female chief secretary by Oli.

"This is not just a coincidence; these are decisions made by the government led by UML, and they are facts," said Bishnu Rijal, a central member of UML.

After the appointment of Gadtaula as chief secretary, KP Sharma Oli himself shared his happiness on social media. “Yesterday, I saw many friends writing about Nepali women reaching top leadership positions on social media. I am pleased with these four coincidences resulting from our positive initiatives,” Oli expressed his joy by posting pictures of the four women on social media on Friday morning.

As women’s roles have been rising not only in the political arena but also in the social sector, their leadership in the country's key administrative, judicial, and constitutional roles has elevated their status even further. The presence of women in esteemed positions in the country has made not only women but also the nation proud.

Under the leadership of the CPN-UML, many movements have taken place in the past. In 1997, the UML increased the participation of women, ethnic minorities, and Dalits in local body elections. Under the leadership of then-UML vice chairperson and former President Bidya Devi Bhandari, 33 percent participation of women in political and administrative sectors was ensured. As a result, there has been a noticeable increase in opportunities for women's participation and leadership today. Efforts to advance women's rights have been ongoing for a long time. Numerous debates, discussions, meetings, and movements have occurred in the past demanding autonomous and empowered bodies for women's rights. Women have played a strong role in these efforts. The actions and advocacy of feminist organizations and those who understand women's issues have led to visible outcomes.

Women who have reached high positions today have shown significant sacrifice, dedication, and investment in their fields. Bidya Devi Bhandari, who served as the country’s president twice, was involved in political movements from her student days. Her continuous struggle and activism in active politics led her to the highest office in the country. In a country where women have fewer opportunities compared to men, Bhandari's ascent to the presidency has created a situation where Nepali women feel proud and hopeful.

Born in Guranse, Bhojpur, Bidya Devi Bhandari's political journey took a pause after she married then-Marxist Leninist General Secretary Madan Bhandari. Following Madan Bhandari's death in a road accident, she dedicated her life to politics.

Onasari Gharti, Nepal's first female speaker, was also active in politics from a young age. She took part directly in the armed conflict led by the then-Maoists and became the first woman to hold the position of speaker in Nepal's parliamentary history. Born in a region like Rolpa, which lagged behind in education, awareness, and development, reaching such a prestigious position was a significant challenge for her.

Gharti Magar, who devoted herself to politics from her student days, had endured a long and arduous struggle during her underground life.

Sushila Karki, who became the chief justice of Nepal, was also distinguished in her field. The rise of female leadership in the country's powerful judicial body was widely praised at the time.

Although Sushila Karki was a strong contender for the position of chief justice on the basis of seniority, her name was made public while there was still some time remaining in the tenure of the then Chief Justice Kalyan Shrestha.

Sushila Karki is the eldest of seven children in her family. Born in a farming family, she completed her bachelor's degree in law from Tribhuvan University and her master's degree in political science from Banaras Hindu University. Afterward, she embarked on her judicial career and eventually reached the highest position in the field.

Now, for the first time in history, a woman has been appointed to the highest administrative position in Nepal's civil service as chief secretary. On Thursday, the Council of Ministers appointed Lila Devi Gadtaula as chief secretary, marking this milestone. Gadtaula is the first woman to hold the position of chief secretary in Nepal's civil administration. She was already distinguished in her field. Following her promotion by the government under KP Oli's leadership, she became the first woman to lead the country’s civil administration. Gadtaula, who was serving as the acting chief secretary since July 15, was officially promoted to chief secretary by the Council of Ministers on July 25.

Due to her age limit of 58 years, Gadtaula is scheduled to retire on August 30, 2024. However, by appointing her as the chief secretary, the government has ensured she reaches the highest position in her career.

In the context of Nepal, the first female member of Parliament in democratic history was Dwarika Devi Thakurani. She was also the first woman to become a minister. She served as a minister in the democratic government led by B.P. Koirala in 1958. Among the courageous women involved in Nepal's democratic movement are Mangala Devi Singh, Shailaja Acharya, Nona Koirala, Lila Koirala, Sahana Pradhan, Sadhana Adhikari, Pampha Bhusal, Bidhya Devi Bhandari, and Astalaxmi Shakya. These women have also played significant roles in institutionalizing women's organizations and developing female leadership.

Currently, hundreds of young women are active in the political, judicial, administrative, and social sectors. Among those who have succeeded in reaching high and respected positions through politics are Bidhya Devi Bhandari, Onsari Gharti, the first Deputy Prime Minister Shailaja Acharya, and the first Chief Minister Astalaxmi Shakya. In the administrative sector, women also hold numerous positions at the levels of secretary, director, and under secretary.

In the Nepal Police, women have reached up to the rank of Additional Inspector General (AIG), though none have yet attained the position of Inspector General (IGP).

Similarly, Usha Nepal had the opportunity to become the first Chief District Officer (CDO). Shanti Mall was successful as the first female engineer. Gyani Shah was the first woman to join the Nepal Army. Additionally, Sony Rana became Nepal’s first female pilot. Thus, women are increasingly establishing themselves as leading figures across various fields.