KATHMANDU: Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) MP Sita Badi has been appointed Minister for Women, Children and Senior Citizens, becoming the first person from the Badi community to hold a ministerial position.
In a recent conversation with RSS, Minister Badi said that the situation of women from the Badi community remains especially critical. She has been actively involved in women’s empowerment through a social organization, where she has worked to promote financial independence by providing sewing training to women.
Originally from Birendranagar Municipality-14 in Surkhet, Karnali Province, and currently residing in Budhanilkantha-8, Kathmandu, Badi began her political journey with the RSP.
“The situation of women is critical, particularly among Dalit and Badi communities,” she said, adding that she is committed to delivering result-oriented work to improve their conditions.
Badi acknowledged that her political journey has not been easy but expressed determination to use this opportunity for meaningful change. She emphasized the need to dismantle entrenched inequality, discrimination, and social humiliation to build a more equitable society. She also stressed the importance of uplifting women, who make up half of society, particularly those from marginalized communities.
The Badi community remains one of the most marginalized groups within the Dalit population, facing deep-rooted poverty and systemic discrimination where social humiliation is often normalized.
Previously, Uma Devi Badi from the Nepali Congress was elected as a member of the Sudurpaschim Provincial Assembly, marking an earlier political representation of the community. Reflecting on her own life, Badi said that many in her community still struggle for basic needs such as food and shelter, and that the situation of young girls is particularly dire.
She recalled her childhood marked by financial hardship and social exclusion, including times when she lacked basic educational materials. Despite these challenges, she remained committed to her studies and was supported by an organization in continuing her education. Badi, who holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work (BSW), said education is the foundation of awareness and empowerment.
“The struggle for self-respect remains a major challenge in our society,” she said. “It is a battle I continue to fight.”
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