Two Women From Sudurpashchim Appointed as Federal Ministers in New Government

Dhangadhi. Two female lawmakers from Sudurpashchim have been given ministerial responsibilities in the federal government.

Gita Chaudhary and Pratibha Rawal, who became members of the House of Representatives through the proportional representation system from the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), have become ministers. Both are young individuals in their 30s, and both began their backgrounds in social and professional fields rather than politics.

Gita Chaudhary, 33, from Shuklaphanta Municipality-4, Kanchanpur, has taken on the responsibility of the newly appointed Minister of Agriculture. Born into a modest Tharu community family, Gita's childhood was spent in hardship. After completing higher education with loans from creditors and scholarships, she earned a Master's degree in Law and established herself as a successful advocate.

As an advocate, she provided free legal aid to more than 150 poor, Dalit, and marginalized citizens in Kanchanpur and surrounding areas. She consistently advocated for justice, especially in cases related to land disputes and domestic violence.

Gita, who gained political awareness from the 2062/063 People's Movement, was initially associated with the student wing close to CPN-UML and later joined the Nagarik Unmukti Party. Although she was defeated in the provincial assembly elections in 2079, she later reached parliament through the RSP.

As Minister of Agriculture, Gita has prioritized timely availability of fertilizer and seeds for farmers, legal recognition for the Tharu community's traditional justice system (Badghar/Bhalmansa), and free treatment for Sickle Cell Anemia.

Similarly, Pratibha Rawal, 32, born in Aithpur, Bhimdatta Municipality-6, Kanchanpur, has become the Minister of Federal Affairs and General Administration. Having lost her father at the age of 5, Pratibha was educated through the struggle of her mother, Maya Rawal. After completing her schooling in Mahendranagar and her postgraduate studies in Chennai, India, Pratibha spent nearly a decade in journalism.

Her program 'Lalmohar' on 'Galaxy 4K Television', following her work at 'South Asia Check' and 'Republica', was very popular.

During her journalism career, while questioning policymakers, she realized—'Questioning from the outside is not enough for change; one must reach the very place where policies are made.' Inspired by Galaxy TV chief Rabi Lamichhane, she became actively involved in politics since the founding days of the RSP.

Now, as the Minister of Administration, she is entrusted with the responsibility of streamlining the state's administrative machinery and establishing good governance. Pratibha, who credits her mother's sacrifice for her success, is now determined to prove herself through work.