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In recent news, Nepal launched a National Action Plan on the Implementation of Resolution 1325 and 1820 in February 2011.

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In 2006 the Comprehensive Peace Agreement put an end the 10-year Moaist conflict in Nepal. The elections to the Constituent Assembly (CA) were finally held in April 2008 and The Moaist Party now hold the majority of seats in the CA. 

Overview of past and present security situation

The road to the peace deal and Assembly elections was rocky, with several failed and under prepared peace talks and numerous outbreaks of violent conflict since 2001. 

In 2005, the suspension of fundemental freedoms by King Gyanendra provoked an increase in violence. In response to this a large cross section of people, known as The People's Movment, took to the streets in April 2006. This precipitated the suspension of the King's rule and a cease-fire agreement.

Despite this year's successful elections, conflict does not end with a peace deal and the first steps of democracy. Nepal's post conflict reconstruction will need to be inclusive and ensure that the marginalised, including women, are empowered to have a political voice.

Society and women

The roots of the conflict lie in a complex set of factors, such as unequal rural and urban development, political corruption and high levels of poverty. These factors have been exasserbated by the conflict and it is estimated that more than 13,000 people have been killed and between 100,000 to 150,000 people displaced.

As International Alert notes, the vast majority of the population lacks any political voice and decisions continue to be made at a national level, often behind the closed doors of the political elite. No women were included in the drafting of the temporary constitution. Likewise, the Nepalese Ministry of Peace and Reconstruction contains only men at decision–making levels, however, there are moves to develop National Action Plan for UNSCR 1325.

Despite this, a quota system for women and other excluded groups was accepted for the elections to the Constituent Assembly. This has delivered just under 33% women to the Assembly. This must now equate to gender sensitive policies and institutions to ensure effective post conflict reconstruction and a better chance at sustainable peace.