Nepal has made significant progress in advancing gender equality over the past decades. However, deep-rooted gender disparities persist in many aspects of society, from education and labor market participation to political representation and the safety of women.
Despite some promising advancements, challenges such as gender-based violence, low literacy, human trafficking, and female suicides continue to undermine women’s progress and their rightful place in the nation’s development.
Gender Demographics and Labor Migration
Women in Nepal outnumber men, with 51.1% of the population being female as of the 2021 Census. However, boy children outnumber girl children by a significant margin, with 114 boys for every 100 girls in the early years of a child’s life, indicating a preference for sons over daughters.
This demographic shift is heavily influenced by male labor migration, which significantly impacts socio-economic structures, particularly in rural areas. Men often migrate for employment opportunities, leaving women behind to shoulder the responsibilities of family and community.
This migration exacerbates gender inequalities, as women are left with limited access to education, employment, and financial independence.
In provinces such as Lumbini and Bagmati, absentee rates are as high as 19.2% and 18.2%, respectively (CBS, 2021). This situation forces women to take on sole caregiving and household roles, further limiting their agency and opportunities.
The socio-economic consequences for these women are dire, as they face increased vulnerability to gender-based violence and exploitation, often with limited support systems.
Education: A Double-Edged Sword
Nepal has made notable progress in literacy rates, with 76% of the population being literate as of CBS, 2021.
However, a significant gender gap remains. While 84% of men are literate, only 69% of women are. The literacy gap in Nepal is 17.7 percentage points, higher than the South Asian average of 15.7%.
Although gender parity in basic and secondary education has been achieved, with nearly equal enrollment rates for boys and girls, disparities remain at higher education levels.
More women are enrolled in higher education than men (53% of students were women in 2020/21), yet men still dominate technical fields such as engineering, science, and technology (Flash Report: CEHRD).
Enrollment rates in community and private schools suggest a preference for investing more in boys’ education compared to girls’.
Provinces like Madesh show an alarmingly wide gender gap, where only 55% of women are literate. The government has introduced initiatives like free and compulsory education and midday meals, but challenges persist, particularly in rural areas where gender stereotypes, poverty, and limited access to resources continue to hinder girls’ education.
Studies show that the share of female school teachers is lower compared to male teachers (44.2% at the Basic Level vs. 20.8% at the Secondary Level: Flash Report, CEHRD).
Labor Market Disparities
Women’s participation in the labor force is significantly lower than men’s. The labor force participation rate for women is just 26%, compared to 54% for men (Nepal Labor Force Survey, 2017/18, NSO).
This gap is particularly pronounced in Sudurpashchim Province, where only one in six women are active in the labor force.
Employment rates further highlight this disparity, with only 22.9% of working-age women employed compared to 48.3% of men. Most women work in informal sectors, such as agriculture and unpaid family labor, where wages are lower, and job security is uncertain. Even in formal sectors, women are underrepresented in high-paying jobs and leadership positions.
Vulnerable communities, such as indigenous groups and migrants, are particularly at risk. The ongoing need for effective prevention programs, legal action, and victim support cannot be overstated.
Men earn nearly three times more than women, and women are concentrated in lower-paying, informal, and agricultural work. A crucial factor contributing to these disparities is societal norms that confine women to caregiving roles and limit their economic independence.
Gender-Based Violence: An Alarming Crisis
One of the most pressing issues in Nepal is the increasing reports of gender-based violence.
The number of cases reported to the police has surged from 15,500 in 2018 to over 21,000 in 2022 (NPH, CID, RAS, 2022). Domestic violence, which accounts for 80% of these cases, is the most common form of violence against women in Nepal.
Reported cases of rape and attempted rape also rose from 1,480 in 2017/18 to 2,380 in 2021/22.
These figures, though alarming, likely underrepresent the true scale of the issue due to persistent underreporting of violence, especially in rural and marginalized communities.
The prevalence of domestic violence is highest in the Madhesh region, where nearly half (46%) of women have experienced physical, sexual, or emotional violence from their partners.
However, the issue transcends regional boundaries, with significant rates of violence observed across all provinces. The government’s efforts to curb this violence include the establishment of Women, Children, and Senior Citizens Units in all 77 districts, along with a helpline (1145) operated by the National Women’s Commission.
Despite these initiatives, domestic violence remains deeply entrenched in Nepal’s patriarchal society.
Human Trafficking: A Grave Threat to Women and Girls
Human trafficking is another severe issue that disproportionately affects women and girls in Nepal. The country’s vulnerability to trafficking is exacerbated by factors such as poverty, lack of education, and gender discrimination.
In 2021/22, 90% of the 211 police-reported trafficking victims were women. Traffickers prey on vulnerable women and girls, promising better opportunities abroad, only to subject them to forced labor, prostitution, and exploitation.
While the government has enacted the Human Trafficking and Transportation (Control) Act (2007) and taken steps to combat trafficking, reports show that the number of victims has decreased, but women and girls remain the primary targets.
Women’s participation in the civil service has also risen from 9% in 2008 to nearly 28% in 2022. However, gender disparities remain, particularly in land ownership and financial access.
Vulnerable communities, such as indigenous groups and migrants, are particularly at risk. The ongoing need for effective prevention programs, legal action, and victim support cannot be overstated.
Suicide Among Women: A Public Health Crisis
Suicide is the leading cause of death among women of reproductive age in Nepal, with nearly 3,000 women taking their own lives in 2021. The suicide rate for women is alarmingly close to that of men, contrary to global trends where men typically have higher suicide rates.
A significant portion of suicides among women is linked to experiences of violence, marital issues, and relationship problems.
Studies have shown that 61% of women who committed suicide had experienced physical abuse within three months of their death. Marital conflicts, economic hardship, and gender-based violence are often the precipitating factors.
In response to this crisis, the government has launched a suicide prevention helpline (1166) and is exploring additional measures to reduce suicide rates. However, more comprehensive mental health support systems and gender-sensitive interventions are needed to address the underlying causes of female suicides.
Political Participation and Economic Empowerment
Women in Nepal have made significant progress in political participation. The 2022 elections saw 34% representation of women in the federal parliament, up from just 12.5% in 2007 (Election Commission Nepal, 2022).
The gender quota system, which mandates 33% women’s representation in legislative bodies, has been instrumental in increasing women’s political visibility. Women also represent 36% of provincial assembly seats and 41.2% of local government positions.
However, women’s representation at the local government leadership level remains low, with only 3% of mayors and chairpersons being women, although women dominate as deputy mayors or vice-chairpersons.
The road ahead is long, but with continued commitment and action, Nepal can overcome its gender disparities and build a future that values and uplifts all its citizens, regardless of gender.
In terms of economic empowerment, women have made progress, with 29.6% of establishments having female managers (National Economic Census, CBS).
Women’s participation in the civil service has also risen from 9% in 2008 to nearly 28% in 2022. However, gender disparities remain, particularly in land ownership and financial access.
While the number of women who own land has increased from 9% in 2001 to 24% in 2021, the gender gap in financial decision-making and control of assets remains a significant barrier to true economic empowerment.
A Call for Informed Decision-Making
Nepal has made undeniable progress in some areas of gender equality. Women’s literacy, political participation, and access to education have improved.
However, the persistence of gender-based violence, trafficking, suicides, and labor market disparities underscores the urgent need for informed decision-making at every level of society.
The government’s efforts to improve women’s safety and access to justice through initiatives like the Women, Children, and Senior Citizens Units, the suicide prevention helpline, and women in leadership positions must be strengthened and expanded.
Simultaneously, society must confront deep-rooted harmful norms and work to empower women economically, politically, and socially. Gender-responsive budgeting, law enforcement, and the active participation of men and boys in gender equality efforts are all critical components of a holistic solution.
Informed, proactive decision-making—both within the government, development sectors, and at the grassroots level—is key to breaking the cycle of gender inequality and building a society where women and girls can thrive.
The road ahead is long, but with continued commitment and action, Nepal can overcome its gender disparities and build a future that values and uplifts all its citizens, regardless of gender.
(The views presented here are those of the author and do not reflect any official position.)
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