From Courtroom to Parliament: Advocate Geeta Chaudhary's Journey as a Tharu Woman Lawmaker

Dhangadhi. Geeta Chaudhary, 33, from Shuklaphanta Municipality-4 in Kanchanpur, is an advocate (legal practitioner). Recently, her identity has changed.

Having been elected under the proportional representation system in the recently concluded House of Representatives election, she will now take on a legislative role.

Often encountered arguing in court or advocating for social justice on the streets, she has now reached the House of Representatives, the forum for national policy-making.

Geeta, who became a Member of Parliament through the proportional representation system from the Rastriya Swatantra Party, shared her experience that it was not easy for a Tharu community member to become an advocate and reach Parliament. She stated that she had to endure significant hardship and social discrimination to reach this point.

Geeta was born into a humble Tharu family. Her childhood was spent in poverty. Financial constraints constantly troubled the family. Despite this family situation, Geeta had a strong desire to achieve something and study. When it came time for higher education, she lacked funds. She borrowed money from lenders to complete her college education.

She achieved higher education by overcoming financial constraints and social barriers. In her village, the mindset that 'daughters should not be educated too much' and 'what will a daughter do after studying so much?' still persisted. Despite this, she decided to study law.

Geeta asserted that she has provided free legal aid to more than 150 poor, Dalit, and marginalized citizens in Kanchanpur and surrounding areas. She mentioned that her work, particularly in land dispute, domestic violence, and civil rights cases, has earned her a distinct identity in society.

She completed her Master's degree in Law. After that, she established herself as an advocate.

After becoming an advocate, Geeta stated that she did not view her profession merely as a means of earning a livelihood. She said she also worked to deliver justice to those far removed from access to justice.

Geeta asserted that she has provided free legal aid to more than 150 poor, Dalit, and marginalized citizens in Kanchanpur and surrounding areas. She mentioned that her work, particularly in land dispute, domestic violence, and civil rights cases, has earned her a distinct identity in society.

She takes pride in having become a center of trust for the poor who come seeking justice. She stated that she never acted out of self-interest, from preparing court documents to engaging in arguments.

Geeta's political consciousness blossomed from the 2062/063 People's Movement. She took to the streets as a student for democracy and civil rights. Initially, she was affiliated with the student wing associated with the UML party.

In the 2079 House of Representatives election, Geeta was a candidate for the Provincial Assembly member from Sudurpashchim Province representing the Nagarik Unmukti Party. Although she was defeated while contesting the direct election from Kanchanpur Constituency No. 2 (1), she stated that the votes she received and the affection from the people established her in politics.

Later, Geeta joined the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP). She clarified that the party recognized her qualifications, experience, and social contribution and brought her to Parliament through the proportional representation list.

She also mentioned that she will be active in establishing digital labs in government schools to connect education with technology and ensuring the timely availability of fertilizer and seeds for farmers.

Geeta is determined to play her role in Parliament by prioritizing the problems of Sudurpashchim Province. She stated that her first priority is to resolve the long-standing issues of the landless, squatters, and protected area victims in Sudurpashchim.

"I will continuously lobby the Parliament and the government to update the records and ensure land ownership certificates for the actual entitled individuals," Geeta said.

Furthermore, she is striving to gain legal recognition for the traditional Tharu community justice systems, 'Badghar' and 'Bhalamansa'.

Advocating for skill-based training and housing programs for the rehabilitation of freed Kamaiyas and Haliyas is another of her major agendas.

Geeta stated that she has been seriously raising the issue of 'Sickle Cell Anemia,' which is genetically prevalent in the Tharu community, and will now raise it in Parliament.

Her demand is to arrange for free testing and treatment for this disease across the country.

She also mentioned that she will be active in establishing digital labs in government schools to connect education with technology and ensuring the timely availability of fertilizer and seeds for farmers.