The year 2002 has begun well for Nepali women. First, the formation of a National Women Commission was announced on International Women's Day, 8 March. Nearly a week later, the House passed the much-debated Women's Bill with an overwhelming majority. And this week, leaders of major political parties signed a declaration committing themselves to developing political leadership among women. Well and good, says Sahana Pradhan, leader of the Women's Pressure Group and Standing Committee member of the CPN (UML). But the senior politician cautions against being too optimistic-she says the Bill still fails to recognise women as independent individuals, rather than simply a man's daughter or wife. Also, there's no point in reserving seats for women in politics, says Pradhan, whether it's 33 or 40 percent, if men stand in their stead. She also stressed the need for women to be represented in any process to amend the constitution.