Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) lawmaker Sita Badi was sworn in as Nepal’s Minister for Women, Children, and Senior Citizens on Friday, making history as the country’s first minister from the Badi community. The ceremony was an emotional moment for Badi, who reflected on her journey from social activism to national leadership.
Badi, originally from Birendranagar-14 in Surkhet, Karnali Province, currently resides in Budhanilkantha-8, Kathmandu. She has spent years working to address poverty, social discrimination, and the marginalisation of women and minority communities. Her election to the House of Representatives came through the proportional representation system.
From the age of 13, Badi completed her education with support from a social organisation. After graduating, she dedicated herself to running a nonprofit focused on reducing social inequality and promoting women’s empowerment. Her new role as minister now allows her to address these issues on a national scale.
In her statements following the swearing-in, Badi emphasised her commitment to addressing challenges faced by women and marginalised communities. She views her appointment as a historic opportunity to lead transformative change in Nepalese society and to implement policies that expand opportunities for under-represented groups.
Observers note that Badi’s appointment not only marks a milestone for the Badi community but also reflects the RSP’s focus on inclusive governance. Analysts say her tenure could set a precedent for greater representation of minority communities in Nepal’s federal government.
Badi’s journey from grassroots activism to a ministerial role highlights the growing political participation of historically marginalised groups in Nepal and signals a broader commitment to social inclusion and empowerment in the country’s evolving political landscape.
