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Sexual consent isn’t just a conversation. It’s the cornerstone of respect, empathy, and safety in human interactions. Understanding it is important to nurture healthy, respectful relationships. In a pilot study conducted among 120 undergraduate students in Kathmandu last year, the focus was on the knowledge, attitude, and perception regarding sexual consent.

It’s imperative to go through data and facts. However, not many studies on the subject have been done in Nepal. We hope the pilot study will serve as a base to conduct many more insightful research. 

The study, led by Vicharalaya as part of the ALIN Solutions Fellowship 2022 and approved by the Nepal Health Research Council, aimed to measure comprehension levels and attitudes toward sexual consent among the young demographic. Sexual consent, a critical aspect of personal autonomy and respect, was the focal point of this study.

The findings highlighted a significant deficiency in understanding sexual consent among the surveyed undergraduate students. A substantial percentage of the participants exhibited poor knowledge (36.84 percent) and attitude (38.6 percent) regarding sexual consent. These numbers, while alarming, underscore the prevalent gaps in comprehending the essence and significance of sexual consent in intimate relationships.

Sexual consent is more than a theoretical concept. It’s a practical necessity in cultivating healthy and respectful relationships. Yet, despite the acknowledgment of its importance by 85.1 percent of the participants, the practical application of this understanding seems to pose a challenge for many.

This study’s outcomes reveal an urgent need for a robust educational framework focusing on sexual consent within academic institutions. Young people are particularly vulnerable to sexual health challenges, including higher proportions of sexually transmissible infections (STIs) and risky behavior. An enhanced understanding of sexual consent is crucial in navigating these challenges and fostering consensual relationships.

Sexual and reproductive health concerns remain pressing issues, especially among the younger population, with higher vulnerability to sexually transmitted infections and risky sexual behavior. The lack of a comprehensive understanding of sexual consent can pave the way for abuse, harassment, and a lack of respect even in intimate relationships. Targeting education in this area is important to bridge the gap in sexual education.

Integrating comprehensive sexual education into the academic curriculum emerges as a solution to bridge the knowledge gap and instill a profound understanding of sexual consent. It’s imperative to infuse not only theoretical knowledge but also practical applications of respecting personal boundaries.

Colleges and high schools, being pivotal environments for the growth and development of young minds, should integrate comprehensive sex education into their curriculum. It’s imperative to elevate the levels of knowledge, foster positive attitudes, and promote a perceptive understanding of sexual consent among students.

Nepal, like many other nations, faces a critical need to foster a culture where respect for personal boundaries is not only understood but actively practiced. Initiatives to implement robust sexual education programs are vital, ensuring that young individuals are equipped with the necessary knowledge and attitudes to navigate their intimate relationships with respect, empathy, and understanding.

While the study highlights the existing gaps in understanding sexual consent, it should catalyze change. Advocacy for inclusive and informative sexual education is not just a necessity but it’s a responsibility toward creating a society where all individuals can thrive in safe and respectful relationships.

The study’s findings underscore the urgency for collaborative efforts between educational institutions, policymakers, and the larger community to establish a framework that nurtures a culture of understanding, respect, and consent in all forms of human interaction.

The journey toward a society that values and practices mutual respect, empathy, and consent begins with education, awareness, and collaborative efforts. Understanding sexual consent isn’t merely a crucial aspect. It’s the bedrock for establishing relationships based on mutual respect and understanding.

It’s time to champion this cause, to create an environment where sexual consent is not just a theoretical notion but a practical reality in our relationships. This requires concerted efforts, redefining education, and prioritizing the nurturing of a culture that respects personal boundaries.

The study’s findings emphasize the pressing need for a more comprehensive approach to sexual education among undergraduate students. Creating an environment where sexual consent is not only understood but actively practiced is essential for building healthier and more respectful relationships.

By addressing this gap in understanding, we embark on a journey towards a more informed, respectful, and empathetic society. The rewards of an empathetic, respectful society built on understanding and consent are worth the effort and dedication.

At least 22 persons were injured in a jeep accident at Gayerijiula in Chaurjahari Municipality-8 of Rukum West on Monday.

Acting Chief Administrative Officer Sher Prasad Dhakal said that the jeep (Lu 1 Ja 2297) was heading towards Khalanga from Kholagaun of Rukum West when the incident occurred.

Preliminary investigation shows that the jeep was carrying passengers more than its seating capacity, police said.

DSP Nawaraj Bhattarai, Chief at the District Police Office, said that details about the incident are yet to come.

All the injured have been taken to the Mission Hospital in Chaurjahari.

Among the injured, seven persons are in critical condition, police said.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal is scheduled to attend the 28th Conference of Parties (COP28) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), starting from Nov 30 to Dec 12 in Dubai. The Ministry of Forest and Environment said preparations are underway for Dahal’s visit, planned from Nov 29 to Dec 4. 

On Dec 2, Prime Minister Dahal will address the high-level session scheduled for Dec 1 and 2, which will feature addresses by heads of state/government from around the world.

Nepal has intensified preparations for the conference. To finalize Nepal’s agendas, the ministry has announced a ‘National Climate Conference’ set to take place in Kathmandu on Nov 21.

The conference will delve into discussions regarding the National Adaptation Plan, the implementation plan based on the Nationally Determined Contributions, and the agenda for COP28.

Buddhi Sagar Paudel, Head of the ministry’s Climate Change Management Division, mentioned that senior officials from the ministry, chief ministers, heads and officers of concerned organizations, development partners, media representatives and others will partake in the program.

The ministry has already devised a roadmap for Nepal’s engagement at the conference and has been working accordingly. Joint Secretary Paudel stated, “For the conference preparations, a committee comprising secretaries of relevant ministries and key representatives of other concerned bodies, under the guidance of the minister, has been formed. Efforts have been made to gather suggestions.” 

Additionally, under the department’s leadership, a working group comprising representatives of line ministries has made significant progress in crafting the ‘National Position Paper’ for COP28 through coordination and consultations with stakeholders, he added.

Thematic groups covering topics like climate adaptation, mitigation, finance, loss and damage, global measurement and transparency, mountains, gender equality, young children and tribes have already taken shape.

As part of preparations for Nepal’s agendas at the COP28 conference, the ministry has established an expert group focusing on six core areas: Climate finance, adaptation, transfer of mountain technology and capacity-building, loss and damage, gender, youth, children, climate empowerment, and mitigation of climate change effects.

Nepal has prioritized specific issues for this conference, including climate finance, adaptation strategies, managing funds for climate-related loss and damage, addressing mountain-related concerns, reducing emissions and fostering inclusivity.

The ministry announced Nepal’s plan to set up a pavilion at the conference venue to host its programs. They anticipate more than 34 programs, covering diverse subjects, with a schedule of four programs per day at the pavilion from Dec 3 to 11. This marks the first instance where various national and international organizations will conduct programs at the pavilion, focusing on Nepal’s highlighted issues.

Experts in the field anticipate that the events held at the pavilion will effectively showcase Nepal’s concerns and help raise awareness and support for these critical issues.

On the eve of the conference, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres paid a four-day official visit to Nepal from Oct 29 to Nov 1. Nepali officials believe that Guterres’ priority on climate change, exhibited during the visit, will also make it easier for highlighting problems facing Nepal at the global stage.

During his visit, Guterres highlighted the critical issue of climate change in the Himalayas, emphasizing the alarming rate at which glaciers are melting. He drew parallels to regions like Greenland and Antarctica, pointing at rising sea levels and other visible impacts in the form of floods, landslides and consequential disruptions to communities. Guterres emphasized the urgency of climate action, stating, “We must stop this madness. We must move forward with climate action.”

Highlighting Nepal’s challenges, he noted that the country’s glaciers had melted 65 percent faster in the last decade than in the previous one. 

To better understand the real impact of climate change on local livelihoods, Guterres engaged with residents of Khumbu Pasang Lhamu rural municipality-4 in Solukhumbu district. This interaction allowed him to comprehend firsthand how climate change has multifaceted effects on their daily lives. 

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Dahal has affirmed his commitment to assert Nepal’s stance and views on the impact of climate change directly at COP28. Speaking at an event organized on Saturday by the Nepal Mountaineering Association to hand over the peace torch at the Sagarmatha base camp, Dahal emphasized the need to assert rights rather than relying solely on supplication.

He highlighted Nepal’s stance, stressing that those responsible for carbon emissions must take greater accountability and contribute to the climate fund. Nepal, in the global climate discourse, aims to claim its rights rather than seek mere assistance.

Moreover, the Prime Minister recalled the recent visit of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to the Khumbu region, citing it as a reminder to the world about pressing issues. He noted Guterres’ visit, during which he inspected the impacts of climate change and engaged with local residents and representatives. Dahal highlighted the significant contribution of Guterres’ visit in highlighting the climate change challenges facing the region on a global scale.

During the second Voice of Global South Summit also, Prime Minister Dahal reiterated that climate change poses a significant threat to humanity. He affirmed Nepal’s unwavering dedication to implementing the Paris Agreement, emphasizing the country’s measures aimed at safeguarding and sustainably managing natural resources. “Nepal is actively engaged in effective adaptation and mitigation strategies and has expressed commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2045 through the promotion of green initiatives,” he added.

Agendas for COP28

• Climate finance: Strategies and mechanisms to secure funding for climate-related initiatives, focusing on sustainable development and resilience against climate change impacts
• Adaptation: Developing and implementing strategies to adapt to changing climatic conditions, emphasizing resilience-building measures
• Transfer of mountain technology and capacity-building: Facilitating the transfer of relevant technologies suitable for mountainous regions and enhancing the capacity of local communities to manage and adapt to climate change
• Loss and damage: Addressing the impacts of climate change-induced loss and damage, including measures to mitigate and manage these effects
• Gender, youth, children, climate empowerment: Promoting inclusivity and empowerment of marginalized groups such as women, youth, and children in climate action and decision-making processes
• Mitigation of the effects of climate change: Implementing strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the adverse effects of climate change through various measures and initiatives

Bipin Joshi of Bhimdatta Municipality-3 of Kanchanpur, who went missing following the armed attacks by the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas on Israel, has been confirmed to be in the Gaza Strip of Palestine.

But, the latest situation of Joshi is unknown, the Nepali Embassy in Israel said.

Joshi was among those who were taken to Gaza by the Hamas militants after attacking in Kibbutz Alumim of southern Israel on October 7, the Embassy quoted the Israeli Defense Force as saying.

Joshi had gone to Israel under the 'Lean and Earn' programme offered by the Israel government for students under the Faculty of Agriculture in the Sudurpashim (Far-Western) University.

“Joshi was among those who were held captives by Hamas militants,” the Israel Defense Force spokesperson said, adding, “But we are yet to track his location. He is still out of contact and we are searching for him by using all the mechanisms.”