25. There are no legal barriers for women in political and public life. However, no effort has been made for de facto implementation.53 26. Appointment of the first female justices to the Supreme Court is commendable. 27. Under representation of women in decision making remains an issue; women comprise of only 4.5% of the parliament54 and 5.9% of the local council prior to allocation of 33% quota.55 28. Decentralization Act was amended to include a 33% quota for women; however, general perception of the quota is negative.56 There is a lack of awareness on the purpose and need for TSM.57 29. There are multiple challenges for women in politics and public life including lack of financing, harassment on the campaign trail, lack of support and trust in women’s capabilities, women held to higher standards than men, negative portrayal and harassment of women in public life in media and other public platforms, and lack of affordable child and elderly care options while it is the traditional gender role for women to carry this burden. 58 14