Nepal elected its second president since it abolished the monarchy and became a republic in 2008 – and this time they chose Bidhya Devi Bhandari, who made history as their first female president.
While the role is largely ceremonial in Nepal’s government, the significance of electing a female president cannot be overstated, given the traditionally male dominated Nepali society.
The Associated Press says that as per the country’s newly adopted constitution, it is mandatory that one-third of the nation’s lawmakers be women and that they are part of all government committees.
Bhandari has been a long time campaigner for female empowerment and was one of the politicians that lobbied for women’s rights to be enshrined as a constitutional guarantee, The Hindu reports.
Bhandari is currently the vice-chair of the ruling Communist Party of Nepal Unified Marxist-Leninist and also served as Defence Minister from 2009-2011. She has been a leading political figure since 1993, when her husband, communist leader Madan Bhandari was killed in a car crash under mysterious circumstances.
The BBC reports that as president, she has promised to continue championing the rights of women and minorities in Nepal.
President Bidhya Devi Bhandari takes the oath of office at the presidential building, 'Shital Niwas' in Kathmandu
Source: The Himalayan Times
Nepal has been trying to make positive shifts towards providing equal rights and opportunities for women and Bhandari said her election is the first step towards assuring the new constitutional rights are upheld, The Associated Press reports. She replaces President Ram Baran Yadav elected in 2008.
Article Sources: The Associated Press, The Hindu, BBC
Main Image Source: The Himalayan Times
Dilshad Burman
Author
Dilshad Burman is an award winning TV host and Canadian media personality. Born in Mumbai, India, she was surrounded by its creative energy and grew up with a passion for music, film and television. While completing her Bachelor of Arts in English literature from The University of Mumbai, she i...
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