Submit your Article

There is an oft-repeated quote that goes like this: “Life is like a rollercoaster, but it’s your choice to scream or enjoy the ride.” It’s a quote that resonates with many of us, and I’m sure most of you have come across it at some point. Personally, I’ve used this quote many times, but its true meaning became apparent when I consciously started to notice my feelings. 

Today, I stand before you to share my journey of self-discovery and personal growth. I did an experiment where I noted down every single thought that crossed my mind for the past two weeks. I took a deep dive into self-reflection. I made it a point to write down my thoughts, feelings, and experiences that crossed my mind every day. I didn’t hold back—I wrote about the things that were bothering me the most, what made me happy, and the challenges I faced. It was like being on a rollercoaster, with ups and downs. There were moments of anxiety and times when I felt overwhelmed, but there were also little sparks of happiness. Through it all, I learned how powerful it is to focus on the positive side of life.

When I summed up what I had jotted down for the past two weeks, I realized that life is not always a bed of roses, and it is up to us to shape our perspective and find the silver linings in every situation. Let me share with you some of the feelings I noted down and the valuable lessons I learned along the way.

Firstly, anxiety seemed to show up more often than I would have preferred. There were mornings when I woke up with a racing heart, unsure of what was causing my anxiety. It felt like the weight of the world was on my shoulders, and my mind was filled with worries. I discovered that cortisol levels (stress hormones) are higher in the morning, which is why practicing meditation and mindfulness in the morning can help calm us down. By writing down my thoughts, I started to understand why I felt this way and faced it directly. I learned to take deep breaths, remind myself of my abilities and focus on the positive side of things. This helped me become more resilient and conquer my anxious thoughts.

Secondly, there were moments when I felt like I was going crazy. The daily pressures of life, work deadlines and responsibilities felt like an overwhelming burden, pushing me to the brink of my sanity. Some days, I felt lost and unproductive, causing me to fall behind on my tasks. However, amidst this chaos, I learned the value of self-care and self-compassion. I discovered that by taking small breaks, practicing mindfulness and taking care of my well-being, I could regain clarity and regain control over my thoughts. This project taught me how important it is to prioritize my mental health and find inner peace even in the midst of life’s chaos.

Lastly, there were moments of pure happiness that broke through the clouds. There were days when I woke up feeling energized and content. It was during these instances that I experienced the incredible power of positivity. By intentionally focusing on the positive aspects of my life, even the smallest ones, I could magnify those moments of joy. I came to understand that happiness is not a distant destination, but rather a state of mind. By cultivating gratitude and cherishing the simple pleasures, I was able to create a more meaningful and satisfying life.

Through my gratitude journal, I was constantly reminded that one of the things I am incredibly grateful for is my family. Their love and care are constants in my life, and I appreciate them deeply on a daily basis. They have been my rock, providing support and encouragement through all the ups and downs. Their presence brings me comfort, and their unwavering love fills my heart with warmth. This project reminded me to cherish and express my gratitude for my family, as their presence is truly a blessing in my life.

By focusing on the positive and jotting down my feelings, I have grown in immeasurable ways. I have learned to reframe my negative responses, to conquer my anxiety, to nurture my mental well-being, and to embrace the power of positivity. Life will always present challenges, but it is up to us to choose how we respond to them. I now understand that by focusing on the positive, we can find strength in adversity, joy in the mundane, and growth in every experience.

The quote—life is a rollercoaster—suggests that just as a rollercoaster can evoke a range of emotions such as excitement, fear and anticipation, life also presents us with a mix of experiences and emotions. It highlights the ever-changing nature of life and reminds us that we can’t always control or predict what will happen next.

All those who are reading this, I encourage each one of you to embark on your own journey of self-discovery. Take the time to reflect on your thoughts, emotions and experiences. Embrace the power of focusing on the positive side of life. Let us cultivate resilience, nurture our mental well-being and find happiness in the smallest of moments. Together, let us make the choice to embrace positivity and make a lasting impact on ourselves and those around us.

Gender inequality has been a pervasive issue across the world for centuries, and Nepal is no exception. While significant strides have been made in recent years to empower women in the professional world, there remains a glaring disconnect between advocating for gender equality in public spaces and the reality of gender roles within home. Nepal, like many other societies, faces a paradox where women who advocate for gender equality at work often find themselves subjected to traditional gender roles at home. This dichotomy not only undermines their efforts but also perpetuates the cycle of gender inequality. Women continue to face societal pressures to conform to traditional gender norms, despite their achievements in various professional spheres. It is high time we align our actions with our words and truly address gender inequality at its core.

In recent years, Nepal has witnessed an encouraging shift toward gender equality in professional environments. Female participation in panels and conferences has increased, enabling diverse perspectives that were once underrepresented. The appointment of female leaders in organizations has increased, marking progress toward breaking the glass ceiling and providing women with opportunities to lead and thrive in previously male-dominated sectors. Furthermore, the rise of gender specialists and activists has led to more discussions around gender dynamics in the workplace, raising awareness of the issues women face and creating spaces to dismantle patriarchal systems. This has led to a more inclusive environment where women can voice their concerns and aspirations freely.

The importance of fostering gender equality at home cannot be overstated. Charity begins at home, so does gender equality. If women themselves are not treated equally within their families, it sends mixed signals and perpetuates a culture where equality is merely a façade. The burden of managing both a successful career and fulfilling traditional roles can be overwhelming for women, and it hinders their ability to fully participate in public life.

Though social norms may be evolving, many married women, even those who have achieved success in their careers find themselves facing societal expectations to be the ‘ideal wife,’ ‘obedient daughter-in-law,’ and ‘dutiful mother.’ Being unmarried by choice is also a challenge for women who become the focus of gossip and sexual harassment. These ingrained expectations place a heavy burden on women, potentially stifling their personal growth and perpetuating the cycle of gender inequality. But men too face pressure to marry and though they enjoy more freedom the pressure of being the breadwinner can also stifle their personal ambitions.

Many women who feel empowered and confident, advocating for themselves and fellow women, face a reality where traditional gender norms dominate their domestic life when they return home. This dissonance between their professional and personal lives reflects the underlying issue we need to address: Gender equality must be an all-encompassing ideology rather than just a professional front.

It is time to bridge the gap between advocating for gender equality in public and private spheres. Encouraging female participation in the professional world is just the beginning. To truly practice what we preach, we need to address the root causes of gender inequality, which are often deeply embedded in cultural norms and beliefs.#

To challenge traditional gender roles, education and awareness are vital. How can girls develop confidence in schools or boys change their behavior, when patriarchal and stereotypical messages continue to be disseminated?  By definition, patriarchy is a system where powerful older men control women as well as younger men (sons, brothers, men from lower castes). Overcoming these challenges involves not only revising textbooks to eliminate gender biases but also implementing comprehensive awareness programs that promote gender equality in schools. By incorporating inclusive education strategies and instilling a sense of empowerment, schools can play a pivotal role in nurturing the self-confidence of girls and help boys develop a different masculinity, paving the way for a more egalitarian and empowered generation.

Breaking away from traditional gender roles starts within the family. Parents should encourage their children, regardless of gender, to pursue their passions and interests. It is challenging for girls to pursue their dreams, when they are subjected to humiliating practices like chaupadi, which is prevalent in Western Nepal, but also practiced in milder forms in urban middle class in Kathmandu.

Both men and women should be encouraged to take equal responsibility for domestic duties and childcare. This division of household chores based on availability rather than gender is a progressive step toward achieving true gender equality at home. Why do girls help their mothers in household chores when boys play sports in the street? Why do women prepare breakfast in the morning, while men indulge in fitness and sports at the same time? When men share the responsibilities of running a household, women can focus on their professional aspirations without compromising their personal lives. This not only empowers women, sets an example for the next generation, but also helps fathers and husbands to challenge ingrained gender norms. Gender equality is not just a women’s issue. Men must be active allies in the fight for equality. By challenging toxic masculinity and supporting gender equality initiatives, men can help reshape societal norms and create a more inclusive environment for everyone.

Nepal has made commendable progress in promoting gender equality in the professional world, with more women breaking barriers and assuming leadership roles. Despite positive changes in professional settings, it is essential to acknowledge that progress remains incomplete if women's identity in the household continues to be limited by constraining gender norms. However, for true gender equality to be achieved, we must challenge the traditional gender roles that persist within our own homes. By educating and empowering both men and women to break free from restrictive norms, we can ensure that our actions align with our words and build a more equitable and inclusive society for all. It is only when women and men experience gender equality within their homes that the fight for gender equality in the professional world gains true momentum. Only when we practice what we preach, both in public and private spheres, will we achieve the lasting change we aspire to see in the world. This consistency in practice is necessary to break free from the cycle of inequality and foster a society where everyone is empowered to achieve their full potential, irrespective of their gender.

Mahaludin Khatoon, 64, strolls alongside a lush green rice field on a bright and sunny day. A solar panel sits right in the middle of the field. Once there, she extends her hand behind the panel and presses a green switch to activate her pump. There is a distant gurgling sound for a moment and soon after water gushes past her hand and into the adjacent irrigation channel.

With a satisfied smile, Mahaludin remarks, “Every day, this solar-powered system brings life to these fields, ensuring a bountiful harvest for our community.”

Over the past decade, a quiet revolution is taking place in Nepal’s Tarai belt, as farmers are ditching diesel pumps in favor of grid-connected solar irrigation pumps (SIPs) to irrigate their lands. 

Solar-powered pumps are particularly valuable for irrigation because they can be used in remote or off-grid locations where other power sources may not be readily available. Diesel pumps, predominantly operated by the men in agricultural communities, limit women’s participation in critical agricultural activities.

Diesel pumps are often rented—a challenge for women since they typically lack their own income—and present other logistical challenges. The need for transport to and from the rental location is a hurdle in itself. These pumps are heavy and cumbersome to transport, which can be particularly daunting for women who may not have access to suitable means of carrying them. Furthermore, the process of manually starting the diesel pumps can be physically demanding and technically intricate.

Mahaludin says, “In the past, using diesel pumps was a challenge for me, and I was primarily confined to household duties. However, since we installed the grid-connected solar irrigation pump, I can now effortlessly manage the pumps even when my son or husband aren’t home. I no longer have to rely on anyone else or experience delays in irrigating the fields.”

Mahaludin skilfully irrigates her kitchen garden using a motor. Her ability to operate the SIP with ease has brought a sense of independence, eliminating the need to depend on male counterparts of her family for field irrigation. A female committee has been formed in Chipparmai Rural Municipality to oversee decision making related to the solar irrigation pumps. Mahaludin leads this female committee.

Although gender roles have been deeply entrenched for centuries in Chipparmai, having a grid-connected SIP has been a game-changer for women like Mahaludin Khatoon. Access to solar irrigation pumps lets women take charge of their farming operations—they can irrigate their fields, leading to increased crop yields and potentially higher income. By adopting solar technology, women farmers can also contribute to sustainable farming practices by reducing their environmental impact.

Behind the scenes, dedicated individuals like Bhulan Kumar Shah, a junior technical assistant, play a pivotal role in promoting SIPs and gender-responsive agriculture. Bhulan’s involvement with SIPs dates back to their inception, and he has witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of this technology.

Bhulan explains that the allocation of SIPs is not arbitrary; rather, it’s a well-thought-out process. Last year, out of the 48 farmers who received SIPs, 10 were women who seized the opportunity. Alternative Energy Promotion Center (AEPC) offers a 60 percent subsidy, with the remaining 40 percent funded by the rural municipality. But notably, when land is registered in a woman’s name, Bhulan says the allocation receives priority treatment, expediting the process. The SIPs also come with a two-year warranty, ensuring their reliability and longevity.

SIPs were first introduced in Nepal in 2012, which played a pivotal role in demonstrating the technical viability of SIPs for groundwater irrigation in the Tarai and lifting irrigation in Nepal’s mid-hill regions, then followed by a larger pilot program. These pilot initiatives emphasized the importance of government’s financial support to offset the substantial initial costs, thereby ensuring the economic feasibility of SIPs for Nepali farmers.

To promote SIP adoption, the government initiated its subsidy program in 2016, which has since resulted in a significant increase in female applicants, now comprising one-third of the program’s participants. With a primary objective of promoting renewable energy technologies (RETs) across the country, the AEPC was established in 1996 as a semi-autonomous national entity under the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation. It extends a subsidy of 60 percent, with the remaining 40 percent being contributed by the rural municipality.

Traditionally the land is generally owned by the men in families. When women work at the land, the income from the produce is taken by the male family member. An intriguing aspect emerged as we spoke to Mahaludin and her 29-year-old son Najir Miya. Even though the family’s ancestral land is registered under her husband’s name, any new land acquired is registered in the wife’s name—Mahaludin’s name, to be precise.

This deliberate shift in land ownership is not a mere coincidence; it’s a strategic move driven by practicality. The land revenue system bestows certain advantages upon women who own land, making the process quicker and more economical. The registration fees for land under a woman’s name stand at a modest three percent, a significant reduction from the 10 percent levied on land owned by men. It’s a gender-responsive approach that benefits both the family and the community.

These pumps are not merely instruments for irrigating fields; they are catalysts for change, bridging generations, empowering women, and revolutionizing agriculture. Grid-connected SIPs have revolutionized the way water is drawn for farming, making it not just more sustainable but also more environmentally friendly. This transformation couldn’t have come at a better time, as climate change-induced uncertainties loom large over the agrarian landscape.

In the gentle hum of a SIP, we hear the whisper of progress, the promise of a more equitable future. The story of Mahaludin Khatoon is emblematic of the larger narrative unfolding across rural landscapes. It’s a narrative of resilience, adaptability, and the harmonious coexistence of tradition and innovation. The journey of grid-connected SIPs has just begun, but the path ahead is illuminated by the warm embrace of the sun, the ingenuity of farmers, and the determination to create a better tomorrow for all, one drop of water at a time.