Kathmandu, Nov. 12 -- Nepali political parties have been traditionally conservative when it comes to giving space to women leaders. Unless dictated by law, leadership positions for women within the party or candidacy during elections have not been customary.

Despite the lobby from women leaders and activists, just 146 women, including independent candidates, contested the 2017 parliamentary elections that had a total of 1,945 candidates. Only six of them won the elections, as the parties fielded women candidates from constituencies where they didn't stand much of a chance.

These same parties, however, are quick to pick women for elections or leadership positions after the sudden demise of their husbands. This is a tendency that is preva...