Lawmaker Sabitri Malla Urges Full Implementation of Women’s Representation in Government

National Assembly member Sabitri Malla has called for the full implementation of constitutional provisions ensuring 33 percent representation of women in the Council of Ministers. Speaking during the RSS Dialogue with Lawmaker series, Malla emphasized that Article 38 of Nepal’s Constitution, which guarantees proportional and inclusive participation of women in all state bodies, remains only partially enforced.

Malla, who represents Karnali Province in the upper house under the women’s quota, said that the commitment to gender inclusion must extend to ministerial appointments. She also called for amendments to Articles 91 and 92 of the Constitution to make them more women-friendly.

The CPN (Unified Socialist) central committee member stressed that the time has come for collective action to safeguard and implement the rights of women, Dalits, Madhesis, and indigenous communities. She urged the government to develop concrete plans for job creation, including the revival of closed factories and the protection of industries at risk of shutting down.

Highlighting the economic and developmental needs of Karnali, Malla underscored the region’s historical neglect and called for its prioritization in the national budget. “It is my dream to help realize the vision of a ‘Prosperous Karnali, Happy Karnali.’ All representatives from the province must work together for its development,” she stated.

Reflecting on her legislative work, Malla noted that the National Assembly, as envisioned by the Constitution, plays a key role in building an inclusive and democratic system. In her first year as a lawmaker, she has focused on drafting laws in line with constitutional provisions and raising public concerns in Parliament. Although political instability has delayed the enactment of many laws, she pointed out that all bills tabled in the National Assembly have moved forward without obstruction.

As a member of the Development, Economic Affairs, and Good Governance Committee, Malla said the committee is engaged with matters ranging from the economy and public finance to pre-budget consultations, innovation, governance reform, and infrastructure development. Its scope also includes investment promotion, sustainable development, and population management.

Malla acknowledged challenges in implementing the Constitution, particularly due to poor coordination among local, provincial, and federal governments. She emphasized the need for timely amendments to the Constitution and the enactment of laws under the 31 fundamental rights it guarantees.

She further called for the creation and strict enforcement of an “Integrity Policy” to bolster the federal system and improve governance.

Addressing the current pro-monarchy demonstrations, Malla warned against undermining Nepal’s federal democratic republic. “The people of Nepal have made immense sacrifices to end monarchy and establish this system. It cannot be undone by a few monarchists protesting in the streets,” she said. Strengthening the current system through reform, not regression, is the only way forward, she concluded.