PALPA: Women representatives in Tansen have expressed confidence in their ability to take on leadership roles in key positions.
Elected as ward members and executive members since the local elections of 2079 BS, they say they are now prepared to contest for higher posts in the upcoming elections.
Savita Bhattarai, ward member of Tansen Municipality-2, said women deserve opportunities to lead, as they have proven their competence.
“Through three years of experience, we have gained practical knowledge in leadership, public engagement, and administrative functions. We are determined to lead, from ward chairperson to mayor,” she said.
Bhattarai emphasized that public support and opportunity are essential to translating this readiness into leadership.
Currently, 31 women serve as acting ward chairpersons across the municipality’s 14 wards. Laxmi BK, a ward member from Tansen-5, said this experience demonstrates that women are fully capable of taking on formal leadership roles, including ward chairperson and mayor.
Many women representatives who have worked as acting ward chairs are preparing to run for higher office in the next election.
The representatives said that the experience gained in policy-making, budgeting, planning, and program execution has enhanced their expertise in local governance.
Executive member Manju BK noted that, despite the absence of elected women in executive municipal roles, they are committed to stepping up and serving in those positions.
Manju BK also called on political parties to ensure women are given opportunities to contest leadership roles. “If the party supports and nominates me, I am committed to doing meaningful work for the people. I am ready to take on the role of mayor with full dedication,” she said.
Of the 73 elected board members in Tansen Municipality, 33 are women, including the deputy mayor. Among them, 28 women—including those elected under women and Dalit quotas—were elected from the 14 wards, while three were elected as open-category members. Additionally, the municipal board has nominated one Dalit woman as an executive member.
Out of the 33 women representatives, six—including the deputy mayor—serve as executive members. Reports suggest that none of them have missed a meeting so far. They have also been actively participating in various thematic committees, playing an essential role in the municipality’s governance.
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