KATHMANDU, July 27: The Intergenerational Feminist Forum (IGFF), through its nationwide Anupam Abhiyan, has submitted signatures collected from across Nepal to major political parties, demanding the proportional and inclusive participation of women at all levels of the state.
Launched in the run-up to the 2084 BS elections, the campaign urges the repeal of Articles 84(8) and 176(9) of the Constitution of Nepal, while calling for the enforcement of Articles 38(4) and 42, which guarantee women’s proportional representation. The movement also demands the timely enactment and implementation of a Unified Election Law to institutionalise gender-inclusive governance.
Among the key demands presented to the parties are the assurances of at least 50 percent women candidates in the First-Past-the-Post (FPTP) electoral system for both the House of Representatives and Provincial Assemblies. The campaign also calls on parties to field at least one woman for leadership positions—either as chairperson or vice-chairperson, mayor or deputy mayor—at the local level, including single-post candidacies. Additionally, the campaign stresses the need for at least 50 percent women candidates for ward chairperson positions across all local bodies.
IGFF submitted signed demand letters to seven major political parties: Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, CPN-Maoist Centre, Rastriya Prajatantra Party, Rastriya Swatantra Party, Janata Samajwadi Party, and CPN (Unified Socialist).
Established in 2076 BS, the IGFF is a vibrant national network of 3,036 feminist members representing all 77 districts of Nepal. Conceptualized by Steering Committee member Rita Thapa, the five-year movement is now in its third year. For 2025, the campaign is centered on the theme “Signature Campaign to Ensure Women’s Political Participation at All Levels of the State,” with the goal of securing just, inclusive, and proportional representation of women in state structures and promoting self-reliant and dignified development under the slogan Enduring, Engaged and United.
This year’s theme, “Political Vigilance,” aims to raise awareness and resistance against patriarchal practices that exclude or marginalize women from genuine leadership roles in politics. The campaign asserts that women should not be placed as symbolic candidates or in unwinnable constituencies, but should be positioned for real political leadership and influence.
Between April and July 2025, the campaign held 209 signature events in 43 districts. It will continue until February 2026, maintaining its momentum to ensure long-term impact.
The campaign emphasizes inclusive and proportional representation of women in all their diversity, full implementation of constitutional gender commitments, and an end to structural violence, discrimination, and inequality. It also calls for democratic and inclusive internal structures within political parties, participation of qualified women leaders at all levels, and the prompt registration and passage of the Unified Election Bill to guarantee proportional rights of women in both direct and proportional electoral systems.
The submission of signatures was led by IGFF representatives Stella Tamang and Laxmi Ghalan.