The 26th memorial day of founding President of Nepal Women Association, Mangala Devi, has been observed today.On the occasion, Nepali Congress leaders including Prakash Man Singh garlanded the statue of Mangaladevi at Shovabhagawati. The Nepal Women Association, Kathmandu, had organised the programme.After garlanding the statue, leader Singh said that she was a woman leader raising the voice for Nepal’s women’s liberation movement and rights.He shared that there was significant contribution of late Mangala Devi to organise women as well as democratic movements of Nepal.
On a different note, leader Singh added that the NC’s general convention should be held in a free and fearless manner in the slated time. He further said that problem of active membership has surfaced in the party as the party did not complete process.The NC leader mentioned that the NC has ensured 33 per cent women participation in the party as the constitution has the same provision.Former Minister and lawmaker Rajendra Kumar KC, NC Kathmandu President Sabuj Baniya, Deputy-Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Hari Prabha Khadgi, Nepal Women Association, Kathmandu, President Bishnu Devi Pudasaini, among others were present on the occasion.
Mangaladevi Singh- a woman of indomitable spiritMangaladevi Singh has made significant contribution in the fight against the Rana oligarchy. She was also the founding president of Nepal Women’s Association and had played a key role in organizing the women throughout the country in the struggle against the Rana rulers, taking risk during the draconian rule. She voiced for women’s rights.Singh was born in 1981 BS in Kathmandu. She was married to Ganesh Man Singh, the leader of the democracy movement, in 1997 BS. Ganesh Man Singh was handed a life sentence by the then rulers on the charge of his involvement in anti-establishment activities. Mangala Devi Singh also involved in the movement to overthrow the Rana autocracy since that time.
Nepali Congress leader Sujata Koirala recalled the late Mangala Devi Singh as a veteran personality in the country’s women movement. As she said it was due to her contribution that one-third representation of women has been ensured within the party and the government.
President of Nepal Women Association (NWA), Uma Regmi also talked about the late Mangala Devi Singh’s contribution to the democracy movement and women right movement.
“The women’s franchise and right to education have become possible due to her contribution,” she said.
She was also imprisoned for five years while protesting the then king’s undemocratic move of removing the first democratically-elected government and the multi-party system in 2017. She spent eight years in exile after 2025 BS. Mangala Devi Singh also actively participated in the non-cooperation movement waged by the Nepali Congress against the Panchayat system in 2042 BS as well as in the people’s movement for restoration of democracy in 2046 BS.
She has published a memoir titled ‘Naari Sangharsha ka Pailaharu (Steps of Women’s Struggle)’.
One of the country’s inspiring leader Mangala Devi Singh died on Bhadau 10, 2053 BS.
