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Looking back on all of the women that I have met over the years, the oppression, lack of opportunities, and expectations that were placed upon them, all I see is strength—strength passed from mother to daughter. In today’s world, women are defining the rules of the political game and leadership. They are entering the political field as dynamic leaders, demanding and changing the politics of all domains.

Digital platforms have democratized access to political participation, enabling more women to engage actively in political spheres. Through technology, women can express themselves and engage with a relevant communication platform, thus eradicating barriers that have in the past limited women’s political engagement. This is not just a change of political power dynamics, but also a sign that the time has come for women to become masters of the future.

Many times on my way to my college in Maitighar, I used to see protests and rallies for various causes, and in the early days, most of the participants used to be men. This has changed in the last five years. Today, I see more women participants in protest rallies. This shift is perhaps due to the concerns of gender, for women are no longer mere spectators.  They are actively participating in the political and social battles for change through digital media. It is a refreshing sight to witness.

The Global Gender Gap Report 2021 unveiled by the World Economic Forum indicates that women occupy only 25.5 percent of parliamentary seats in the world. Nevertheless, the decreasing gap of difference is noticeable between them. Social media platforms are being used to a greater extent in narrowing this difference. According to the Pew Research Center, 61 percent of the women in the United States actively participate in politics through the use of digital platforms. Changes are being observed in Nepal as well. For instance, a survey of Nepali women in the last year (up to mid-2022) showed that 19 percent more women participated in local elections in comparison to 2017, thanks to the wide reach of digital platforms.

But there is still a long way to go for a meaningful women’s participation in politics. A survey conducted by UN Women identified that the level of rural women’s digital literacy is low, and only 37 percent of them have access to the Internet. The necessity of improving the availability of digital technologies is evident, particularly for women. If we look at these numbers, we can only conclude that despite the fact that digital media created new opportunities for women representatives in politics, more needs to be done to support greater equality in access, especially in rural areas. A profusion of women in regional and federal leadership positions gives the political process a new and promising perspective. Women leaders like Sumana Shrestha, Prakriti Koirala, Shobita Gautam, and others have proved that the use of digital technologies makes political work even more efficient. During my stay in my hometown Gulmi recently, the disparity in which most people still travel two hours to access a nearby hospital is very much real.

However, it was encouraging to discover in such areas that people do know about the kind of political activities that are conducted by leaders such as Shobita and Sumana. This means that even in the most excluded areas people are becoming more informed and politically active in the leadership processes. This on its own is evidence of the progress being made in regards to establishing political awareness all across the regions in the nation by the leaders who leveraged digital media. These women have been privileged to campaign for the change they want using social networks and other digital avenues.

Social media has also provided immense value for generating information-based political participation. Specifically, Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balendra Shah ‘Balen.’ The rapper turned city mayor showed that by applying relevant tech tools, one can broaden their electoral outreach and win an election despite being an independent candidate. Balen’s victory showed that the old established parties failed to use social media effectively.

However, the problem of inequality in terms of political voting between the urban and the rural areas still persists. While urban women can engage from their homes, rural women often lack access to these platforms, underscoring the need for targeted efforts to bridge this digital divide.

For this, enabling rural women to use technology is essential for enhancing good governance in our societies. Technology plays an important role in ensuring that rural women have access to information, resources, and networks to engage in politics. Mitigating the unique hardships peculiar to women in rural areas will not only improve their political participation but also promote more diverse and inclusive political systems.

The inclusion of women in politics is not just a matter of representation or quotas; it is about effecting progressive growth. In this context, digital platforms can really help women to step up to the plate, because it offers the necessary tools to avoid such traditional barriers.

In Western countries, there has been a lot of development of digital platforms for supporting women leaders. The Feminist Action Research Project in Canada brings people together for dialogue and work online to strengthen women’s political participation in leadership positions. In the UK, the Women’s Equality Party uses social media and digital tools to build a broader political presence and empower women in leadership roles. These technologies enhance interaction and stakeholder management in acts of governance and women’s political participation.

In online campaigns, these platforms have helped women discharge their duties better by facilitating interaction with the people. However, the facilities and other infrastructure-related support available in many regions, including Nepal are still inadequate.

To address this, policy and action-oriented recommendations the state should expand digital infrastructure to ensuring that rural areas' budgets also include technology as a priority to guarantee the availability of the internet and tools in the rural regions, and organize digital literacy programs to educate women in the use of the new digital platforms as a way of enabling them to take control of the platforms. There should also be right policies in place to support and encourage women’s participation in politics. To this end, collaboration with tech companies is imperative.

Kathmandu is beautiful. Tourists are fascinated by the myriad things you can do here, from cultural walks and temple visits to one-day hikes and hilly getaways. But for those of us living here, things can become a bit mundane, especially if you don’t have a full day to indulge in activities. This week, we bring to you four things you can do when you are bored and need a little something to cheer you up but only have a few hours at your disposal

Attend the evening aarati at Pashupatinath

The Pashupatinath temple is a really nice place to go to when you want to spend some time by yourself or immerse yourself in some spiritual or religious activities. There’s a lot of space and a lot of things to do in the area. The evening aarati in Pashupatinath riverbanks which in winter takes place from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm every day is something everybody must witness. It’s a special puja that priests do to worship Lord Shiva and the entire environment comes alive with the sights, sounds, and smells of prayer and worship. Those who have seen it confess to wanting to attend it whenever they can. It’s a sight that slowly calms you down and fills you with a sense of peace. Make sure you go a little before time so that you get a nice place to sit as it can get a bit crowded.

Evening stroll at Patan Durbar Square

A mini vacation is just what we need after a hectic work week. It’s a great way to relax and recharge for another busy week. But a weekend getaway isn’t always possible or practical. This is when a visit to any one of the Durbar Squares in Kathmandu Valley comes in handy. It’s like a mini getaway. There is so much to do and see at the Durbar Squares. Patan Durbar Square is one of our favorites. From quaint little eateries and tea shops to various kiosks selling all sorts of knickknacks, a stroll at Patan Durbar Square makes you feel like a tourist in your hometown. You can just sit on one of the benches at the center of the square and take in the surroundings. It’s especially beautiful at night when all the lights come on. Be sure to bargain if you decide to do some shopping as the vendors tend to hike the prices at random.

Enjoy some delicacies at the farmer’s market at Le Sherpa Restaurant

There are many farmer’s markets in Kathmandu these days. Some happen during the weekdays while others are up and running on the weekends. Our favorite is the one at Le Sherpa that takes place every Saturday from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm. People can be seen just basking in the sun, indulging in some hot tea or coffee or some cold beer too. There are all sorts of stalls with various kinds of food available here to suit your taste. From Biryani and Pad Thai to cakes and cheeses, you can take your pick depending on what you are in the mood for. You can also shop for jewelry, perfumes, handicrafts, home decor, etc. Gather your friends and family and spend a lovely Saturday morning catching up with them at the market while you buy your week’s worth of groceries. You will also be supporting local businesses so it’s a win-win situation.

Spend a few hours at a bookstore

There was a time when Kathmandu didn’t have good bookstores. Now, the book industry is trying to change that. There are many new bookstores coming up and even the ones that have been in business for years have revamped their spaces and services to make shopping for books a fun affair. Ekta books at Thapathali, Kathmandu, spread across three expansive floors, is a nice place to hunt for your next read. They have recently opened a cafe too so you can even have a drink and grab a bite to eat while you read a few pages. Books Mandala in Baluwatar, Kathmandu, is another great place to visit. Here, you are very likely to find the book you have been searching for as they stock all sorts of titles, from popular authors to lesser known writers. Wisdom Books and Aroma Center in Bhanimandal, Lalitpur, can be your go-to place to browse through books, buy some cool notebooks, incense, candles, stationery items, and handicrafts. They have recently opened a small cafe of sorts where you can get some tea, coffee, and homemade food.

One of my fondest childhood memories is of the summer nights in Tadi, Chitwan, when the rice fields were alive with the mesmerizing glow of fireflies (Junkiri). Their blinking lights illuminated the darkness for miles, and we would chase them, trying to capture their beauty in small bottles. The simple joy of those nights filled us with energy and wonder. But when I returned to my old home, I found the fireflies gone, and the summer nights were no longer lit by their glow. I remember my grandmother’s stories of how the fireflies' lights made the frogs croak and summoned rainfall, adding magic to the night. Now, with their disappearance, I long for the wonder they once brought.

Often mistaken for flies or worms, fireflies belong to the Lampyridae family, making them relatives of ladybugs and dung beetles. While over 2,200 species are known worldwide, only three have been documented in Nepal: Luciola cruciata, the most common, Diaphanea marginellus, and Luciola ovalis, recently spotted at 2,000 meters in Kavre. Found in the plains and mid-mountain valleys during the monsoon season, fireflies serve as crucial indicators of ecosystem health, as they are highly sensitive to light pollution and environmental changes. Sadly, a general bias against insects and nocturnal species has hindered awareness and conservation efforts, even though fireflies play an essential ecological role. Protecting these unique creatures is vital to preserving the natural beauty and balance they bring to Nepal’s night skies. Their absence is not just a loss of magic, but a sign of a changing world that needs our attention.

Life cycle and special feature of fireflies

Fireflies undergo a fascinating life cycle, beginning as eggs laid by females underground. Both the eggs and larvae are capable of emitting a soft glow, similar to the light produced by adults. After hatching, the larvae spend one to two years underground, feeding on snails and slugs, before transforming into pupae. Once they emerge as adults, they have only 2-3 weeks to mate and lay eggs before their life cycle ends. One of their most remarkable features is their ability to produce light through bioluminescence, a chemical reaction in a special organ beneath their abdomen. This ‘cold light’ makes fireflies one of nature’s most efficient light sources.

Flashing activity of fireflies

Between June and April, male fireflies put on synchronized light displays as part of their courtship rituals, emitting unique patterns specific to their species to attract females. The glowing males, visible in the dark, are answered by the soft glow of the females, who respond when they find a suitable mate. These flashing patterns not only facilitate mate identification but also serve as a defense mechanism, warning predators that the firefly may be toxic or unpalatable. This dual role of attraction and deterrence makes the firefly's light display crucial for both survival and reproduction, turning the night into a mesmerizing stage for nature’s intricate dance.

Reason behind their decline

The decline of firefly populations can be traced to the growing shadows of modern life—light pollution and pesticide use. In the past, the nights were theirs to command, their soft glowing signals filling the air with magic. But now, the world is flooded with artificial light that disrupts the natural harmony of the night. Forests and shrubby habitats, once rich with the gentle flickers of fireflies, have been dimmed by the unyielding glow of city lights. This excess of light robs them of their ability to communicate, their flashing lights no longer able to pierce through the growing glare. Researchers estimate that this disruption has led to a 50 percent decline in their dazzling displays.

Adding to this darkness is the loss of their homes. Urbanization and agricultural expansion are encroaching on the fireflies’ delicate habitats, stripping away the places they once called home. Pesticides, too, have seeped into the soil, poisoning the very environment that fireflies need to survive and reproduce. The beautiful dance of light that once brightened the night is now fading into the distance, a bittersweet memory of a world that is slowly losing its glow.

Why conserve them?

Imagine summer nights without the soft, magical glow of fireflies, leaving the fields and forests strangely empty, devoid of the tiny lights that once filled us with wonder. Fireflies are more than just beautiful; they serve as nature’s messengers, signaling a healthy environment with clean water, balanced habitats, and minimal pollution. Without them, we lose more than their glow—they help control harmful pests through their larvae, reducing the need for chemical pesticides, and they pollinate plants, maintaining biodiversity. Beyond their ecological importance, fireflies inspire art, stories, and joy, adding charm to summer nights and creating cherished memories. Losing fireflies is not just a loss of magic, but a reminder of what happens when we fail to protect the natural wonders that enrich our world.

To conserve fireflies, Nepal must prioritize the protection of its biodiversity. Before undertaking development or construction projects, thorough assessments of their impact on local ecosystems and wildlife are essential. Government initiatives should promote natural ecosystem fostering and integrate environmental considerations into development agendas. Additionally, the excessive use of artificial light threatens fireflies by disrupting their bioluminescent signals, which are crucial for attracting mates. To mitigate this, using amber-filtered LED bulbs instead of white LEDs can reduce light pollution, helping to protect firefly habitats. By combining these efforts, we can ensure that fireflies continue to light up our nights, preserving their magic for generations to come.

Lesson from other countries

Nepal can also take inspiration from other countries like Taiwan , home to around 65 firefly species. Taiwan has embraced these luminous insects, not just as symbols of biodiversity but as opportunities for education, conservation, and community growth. There, firefly exhibition centers stand as beacons of awareness, and firefly viewing tours during the mating season draw people from all walks of life to witness nature’s magic. Taiwan has not only conserved these delicate creatures but uplifted local communities through eco-friendly initiatives. These inspirations could be taken and implemented to bring sustainable tourism and livelihoods to rural communities, fostering a deeper connection between people and nature.

Call for action

The fading glow of fireflies in Nepal is a stark reminder of the urgent need to protect our natural heritage. These enchanting creatures are more than symbols of beauty; they are vital to ecosystems and our cultural identity. By conserving their habitats and raising awareness, we can ensure fireflies continue to light up our nights and inspire wonder for generations to come.

This is a call to action for communities, policymakers, and nature lovers alike—let us work together to protect fireflies, foster sustainable practices, and reignite our connection with nature. The time to act is now, before their light dims forever.

Family has long been regarded as the cornerstone of society, shaping people’s values, aspirations, and resilience. Today, single-parent households and nuclear families represent two prominent structures, each with its unique challenges, dynamics, and strengths. Here, ApEx spoke to three parents about the challenges of raising children, whether alone or together. 

Suraj Lama, 34

I believe when two people are raising a child it fosters emotional development and resilience through balanced responsibilities. In my case, I provide security and guidance to my child and my wife cares and nurtures. We work as a team and raising our child is a collaborative effort. When both parents are present, the child doesn’t have to deal with unnecessary social biases as this structure is accepted as ‘normal’. I think the impact is gentler on children. With single parents, it might also sometimes be difficult to give the same level of attention because of time and financial constraints. I’m not saying single parents can’t raise children. Of course, they can and they might even do a better job than a couple but it can definitely be taxing. There can be unnecessary stress for both parent and child. 

Ambika Bhandari Subedi, 36

I think raising a child in a two-parent household is generally easier and more effective than in a single-parent setup. A two-parent family provides emotional balance, with both parents contributing to the child’s development. In single-parent families, the absence of one parent can lead to feelings of loneliness, anger, or depression, as the child may lack exposure to a cooperative family dynamic. Social biases can further complicate matters, with children from single-parent families often facing stigma or judgment. Financial and caregiving challenges are also more significant for single parents as they must manage everything alone. In contrast, shared responsibilities in two-parent households create stability, offering better opportunities for the child’s education and future.

Sita Laxmi Twayana, 46

I have lived in Bhaktapur all my life and I have been raising my child alone. It’s an incredibly challenging journey. Managing everything—financially and socially—on my own has been tough, especially during times of scarcity. It was difficult for my child too, but I prioritized their education, ensuring they received the best I could provide, even in unfavorable circumstances. Today, they are excelling academically and pursuing dreams that align with my aspirations for them. I have instilled strong norms and values, and I believe they will achieve great things in life. However, the scorn and criticism I faced as a single parent were hurtful and it still pains me when I think of it. I hope my child and others in similar situations never have to endure such prejudice.