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Women’s organizations affiliated with various political parties have strongly opposed the government’s reported move to draft legislation that would permit polygamy under certain circumstances.
In a joint press statement issued on Saturday, the leaders of several women's wings said they were deeply concerned by what they described as a regressive legislative attempt targeting women’s rights.
“Any move to legalize polygamy is unacceptable and contradicts the spirit of Nepal’s Constitution,” the statement read. The groups warned that they would take to the streets if the government proceeds with the proposed law, which they argue would intensify inequality, discrimination, and violence against women.
The organizations stressed that legitimizing polygamy - even in specific cases - would mark a dangerous setback for gender equality in Nepal, potentially increasing the risk of systemic oppression and abuse.
Signatories to the statement included:
Menaka Pokhrel, Acting Chairwoman, All Nepal Women’s Association
Amrita Thapa, Chairwoman, All Nepal Women’s Association (Revolutionary)
Mina Pun, Chairwoman, All Nepal Women’s Association
Bandhu Chand, Chairwoman, All Nepal Women’s Association (Revolutionary)
Rajendra Laxmi Gaire, General Secretary, All Nepal Women’s Association (Socialist)
Sharada Mahat, Joint Coordinator, Revolutionary Women’s Association Nepal
The coalition urged the government to abandon any plans to draft or pass laws that permit polygamy, asserting that such measures would undermine hard-fought progress on women's rights and gender justice in Nepal.
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