Sumitra Tharuni

Sumitra Tharuni, MP, Madhesi Jana Adhikar Forum Nepal (Democratic):

Political journey of Sumitra Tharuni:

Sumitra Tharuni is a proportional representative Constituent Assembly member from the Madhesi Janadhikar Forum Nepal (Democratic). She was actively involved in the identity-based Madhesh movement in the Tarai region. Before joining the Madhesh movement, she was affiliated with the Nepali Congress. She began her political career in 2047 BS through the Nepali Congress. Within the party’s women’s wing, the Nepal Women’s Association, she served as a secretary at the village level. Later, she worked as a regional secretary as well. Due to her active involvement and dedication to party activities, she was eventually promoted to become a district committee member of the party.

In 2062 BS, following the start of the Madhesh movement, her political path took a new direction. She devoted herself fully to the movement, actively raising the voices of oppressed Madhesi communities. She was at the forefront of the then Madhesh movement alliance, working to ensure that the state addressed their demands.  During this period, many leaders and cadres left the Nepali Congress. She also left the party and joined the Madhesi Jana Adhikar Forum Nepal. She stated that she left the Nepali Congress because it had failed to represent the voices and concerns of marginalized, oppressed, and disadvantaged communities in accordance with public expectations.

After joining the Madhesi Jana Adhikar Forum Nepal, she worked as a district committee member. Following the split of the party after the Constituent Assembly elections and the formation of the Forum (Democratic), she also joined the new faction. She became active as a member of the Sunsari district committee. At present, she serves as the Chairperson of the Women’s Forum in Sunsari and also holds the position of Central General Secretary of the Women’s Forum.

Recognizing her political experience and contributions, the party assigned her the responsibility of Constituent Assembly member after the second Constituent Assembly elections. As a member of the Assembly, she has remained committed to the party’s agenda of ensuring a constitution based on identity and federalism.

Challenges for women contesting elections:

Elections in Nepal have become highly expensive, making it difficult for many women to participate, especially since most do not have independent financial resources. For this reason, economic constraints is the biggest barrier for women in electoral politics. There is a need for women’s economic empowerment as a first step. Both society and political parties often hold traditional and skeptical attitudes toward women’s leadership, which further limits their opportunities. In addition, she points out that the current electoral system is not favorable for women. The system itself needs reform, and there should be reservation provisions to ensure women’s meaningful participation in elections.

Key areas to focus on for increasing women’s participation in politics:

If women are to be meaningfully included in politics, they must first be placed in decision-making positions within political parties. Parties should assign responsibilities to women based on merit and gradually prepare them for national-level political leadership. She emphasizes that without opportunities, no one can progress in political life. Since women make up about 50 % of the population, she argues that they should also have 50 % representation in politics.

Key qualities of women political leaders:

Politics is a highly challenging field that requires patience, the ability to clearly express ideas, and strong negotiation and lobbying skills. Leaders must also be capable of making sound decisions based on changing situations. In addition, political leaders should be open to new ideas emerging in a changing society and can accept and promote progressive development.

Role of women’s wings in increasing women’s political representation:

Women’s wings in political parties is important learning platforms for women who wish to enter politics. These organizations work on a wide range of women’s issues, from providing training to advocating pressure on political parties, government, and related institutions to ensure women’s representation at decision-making levels. Women’s wings should raise awareness about women’s issues, empower women, and ensure that women themselves actively bring these concerns to both party and state levels.

Advice for young women political leaders:

Young women should enter politics with new thinking and fresh perspectives. Although the country is currently going through a politically unstable and transitional phase, if young women step forward with the ability to help provide direction and solutions, it will greatly contribute to national progress. No citizen should be treated differently based on wealth or status whether rich or poor, all people are equal. In general, young women should develop the capacity to take responsibility for the entire nation without hesitation or fear.