Women's Network has developed both women's leadership and dispute resolution— Deputy Mayor Dangol
Asar 20, 2081 Kathmandu
Dispute resolution in Ward No. 25, where a person was held hostage and not allowed to eat. The case never reached a police station or courtroom. Instead, it was resolved through calm mediation by the Ward Women’s Network, proving that true justice starts at the grassroots—with empathy, dialogue, and local leadership.
The Ward Women’s Networks of Kathmandu Metropolitan City has not only resolved disputes but has also contributed immensely to developing women’s participation in local governance. Deputy Mayor Sunita Dangol said. “We are not just seeking women’s presence—we are advocating for meaningful participation, which means taking responsibility and leading with purpose.”
Knowing the Law Before You Need It
Speaking at a local judicial dialogue program, Deputy Mayor Dangol highlighted a powerful truth:
“There’s a big difference between knowing the law before a dispute and learning it after becoming part of one. Early awareness can prevent injustice before it happens.”
The legal knowledge gained through judicial dialogue can awaken in a person the feeling that I will not do injustice to others. I can feel that I am in a situation of injustice. This situation can also reduce gender-based violence. She said.
‘The government that listens to the grievances of the citizens is the ward office.’ Ward Chairman Rajesh Dangol said at the program, ‘People’s representatives know the subtleties of the dispute. Even if they don’t know, they have the ability to quickly reach the depths of the dispute. Therefore, real justice can be obtained from the ward rather than through the court process.
Justice Where It Matters Most: The Ward Office
‘One cannot make mistakes due to ignorance of the law. Those who make mistakes without knowing the law cannot be punished. Therefore, one must know the law.’ Basanta Acharya, Head of the Law and Human Rights Department, said, ‘We are conducting legal literacy classes in toll booths and schools. We will make all the residents of the metropolis literate about the laws related to individuals.
The women’s network has solved problems such as not allowing people to be held hostage and forced to eat. There are plans to take forward awareness and awareness programs. The coordinator of the network, Rupa Prajapati Shrestha, said, “We have to explain what the benefits of the law are.”
The program discussed the legal provisions issued by the Metropolitan City, the process of reconciliation, the role of the women's network, the conditions for receiving free legal aid, the services available from legal facilitators in the ward, and the role of mediators.
The ward women's networks of the Metropolitan City are working to increase legal literacy by organizing judicial dialogue programs.