Jagaran Media Center
Butwal, March 10 — An orientation program on leadership development for Dalit elected representatives of Butwal Sub-Metropolitan City was successfully conducted on Tuesday by Jagaran Media Center.
The program brought together executive members of the sub-metropolitan city and elected Dalit women representatives from all 19 wards. The initiative aimed to strengthen their leadership capacity and enhance their effectiveness in governance.
Speaking at the event, Constituent Assembly member and Chairperson of Jagaran Media Center, Kamala Biswokarma, said the orientation was organized to address concerns that Dalit women representatives have not been able to make significant contributions. She emphasized that their presence in governance is guaranteed by the Constitution and stressed the need to further strengthen their roles in the upcoming term.
The orientation covered key topics including constitutional and legal provisions, the role of Dalit representatives, participation in municipal assemblies, agenda setting and presentation, budget formulation, and the relationship between elected representatives and the media. Participants also shared their experiences and challenges faced in their roles so far.
Senior advocate Shiva Gaudel delivered a presentation on the constitutional basis of inclusion, the roles of ward-level Dalit women members and executive members, and the importance of raising community issues in executive and municipal meetings. Similarly, Kamala Biswokarma spoke on Dalit rights and the responsibilities of elected representatives, while Binod Pariyar presented on effective engagement with the media.
During the program, executive members including Yam Bahadur Sunar, Krishna Bahadur Sunar, Sunita Khandaluk, and Basanti Biswokarma shared that budgets have been allocated for skill-based and capacity development programs targeting the Dalit community, and committed to continuing such initiatives in the future.
General Secretary of Jagaran Media Center, Jagalal Nepali, highlighted that communities hold high expectations from their representatives and urged them to prioritize the needs of marginalized groups.
Dalit women representatives shared that they have recently taken on responsibilities such as acting ward chairpersons, allocating budgets for Dalit-focused programs, and implementing community initiatives. However, they also raised concerns about ongoing caste-based discrimination, noting that in some areas they are still excluded from social events such as religious ceremonies and weddings.
There are currently 19 Dalit women ward members and four executive members from the Dalit community within Butwal Sub-Metropolitan City.
