A WOMAN, the one giving birth. A WOMAN, the one taking charge of household responsibilities. A WOMAN, the one joining her family together. A WOMAN, the one balancing her career with her children’s responsibilities and finally A WOMAN, the one discriminated and held back. Why? A woman works hard and has to balance the family but when it comes to herself; her opinions are just to be hidden or left unheard.
In many areas of Nepal, women have been deprived of career choices and their rights. Women are to be kept at home and treated like an object due to which majority living in rural areas are illiterate and mistreated. Nepali women have been excluded economically, socially, politically whereas their works done aren’t considered an economic activity. Yet, Nepal is one of the poorest countries in the world. One of the reasons behind Nepal’s slowed process of development is women backwardness and lack of quality education. Mostly in rural areas the myth of patriarchy is followed. “Patriarchy”, a social system in which men are regarded as the authority within the family and society, and possessions are passed from father to son. Patriarchal thoughts are also kept at the strong point due to superstitious beliefs.
Although patriarchy isn’t extreme in the urban areas of Nepal, it is still followed and is shown through behavioral matters discussing masculinity and power over women. Many efforts have been taken in Nepal to reduce the problem and teach people about substantial equality. Some of the efforts taken are listed below:
Non-government organizations have spread the word to rural areas that every women should be treated rightfully along with awareness programs teaching all the woman of the area about their rights and responsibilities as a Nepalese citizen
“Chhaupadi”, a traditional practice that banishes females during their menstruation period from the house. This tradition was highly practiced in the rural areas of Nepal resulting to many women having to die of starvation, have health problems, infections effecting the body internally and also are sexually abused and harassed during this time period. Although this tradition was ban by the supreme court of Nepal in 2004, it was still followed. But now, because the government has declared that the people who force females for Chhaupadi will face punishment of 3 months in jail and a fine up to 3,000 rupees.
The government had declared right to education for both male and female and said it was mandatory due to which many girls could start schooling and have a degree.
Many foundations were created to empower girls and teach boys from both urban and rural areas of Nepal because of which many girls have been taught about their rights whereas the boys have been taught about masculinity and respecting the girls around them.
Although many efforts have been taken to help women come forward, there are still many who aren’t informed about their rights and believe the man should take the lead. If every women gets to understand their worth, Nepal will rapidly develop in many sectors and will not face the problem of a girl having to fear men and feel the sense of power over them.
Suvechhya Trikhatri
Grade 9,
Grade 9,
Bauddha International School
