Nepal has made significant strides in enshrining women’s rights within its constitution, yet the real-life implementation of these rights remains far from ideal. While legal frameworks and policies exist to promote gender equality, the deeply ingrained societal mentality, particularly in rural areas, continues to act as a barrier to true empowerment. Even in modern urban spaces, although progress is evident, patriarchal norms still dictate many aspects of women's lives.
The Constitution of Nepal guarantees gender equality and explicitly prohibits discrimination based on gender. Laws have been enacted to ensure equal property rights, access to education and protection against domestic violence. In 2015, Nepal’s new constitution was hailed as one of the most progressive in South Asia regarding women’s rights. It mandates equal pay for equal work, sets a minimum quota for women’s representation in government and criminalizes discrimination based on gender.
However, merely having rights in the constitution does not equate to their full exercise. Many women, especially in rural areas, still struggle to claim their rights due to cultural and social constraints. The gap between legal provisions and their implementation remains significant. While some progress has been made in legal awareness and advocacy, the reality on the ground tells a different story.
Mentality in rural areas
Nepal remains a country where a significant portion of the population resides in rural areas. In these regions, women’s roles are still largely confined to household duties, and their opportunities for education and economic independence are severely restricted. Child marriage, though illegal, remains a common practice. According to a UNICEF report, about 40 percent of Nepali girls are married before the age of 18, with many of them forced into these marriages due to economic hardships or traditional beliefs. This not only deprives them of education but also exposes them to domestic violence and health risks associated with early pregnancy.
In many villages, women are still discouraged from seeking higher education or employment, reinforcing their financial dependency on male family members. Parents often prioritize their sons’ education over their daughters’, believing that investing in a girl’s future is unnecessary because she will eventually marry and move into her husband’s household. This outdated mindset prevents many women from attaining financial independence and self-sufficiency.
Additionally, the harmful practice of Chhaupadi, where menstruating women are isolated from their homes, persists despite being outlawed. Women are forced to live in small, unhygienic huts during their periods, facing harsh weather conditions and health hazards. Several deaths have been reported due to suffocation, animal attacks and exposure to extreme cold. Despite government intervention, the practice continues in many remote areas because of deep-rooted superstition and lack of education.
Domestic violence remains a significant issue, with many women suffering from physical, emotional and psychological abuse. Although laws exist to punish perpetrators, societal stigma prevents victims from coming forward. Many fear ostracization from their communities or worry about the lack of support from law enforcement agencies.
Urban spaces: Progress and challenges
In cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara, women’s participation in the workforce and politics has increased. Women now hold key positions in various sectors and activism for gender rights is more vocal. However, deep-seated biases still exist. Workplace harassment, wage gaps and societal expectations that women must prioritize family over careers continue to hinder genuine equality.
Despite constitutional provisions mandating at least 33 percent female representation in government, women in politics still struggle with gender discrimination. They often face character assassination and are expected to conform to patriarchal standards. Even when they attain leadership positions, they are frequently sidelined in decision-making processes.
Sexual harassment in public spaces remains another pressing issue. Women commuting via public transportation or walking alone at night frequently report cases of harassment, yet law enforcement often fails to take these complaints seriously. The normalization of such behavior discourages victims from seeking justice and reinforces a culture of silence.
Moreover, while legal protection against domestic violence exists, enforcement remains weak. Many cases go unreported due to victim-blaming culture and inefficient law enforcement mechanisms. Women who challenge traditional gender roles are often labeled as “too modern” or “rebellious”, indicating that even in urban areas, societal perception still limits their freedom.
Intersection of caste and gender discrimination
Women from marginalized castes, particularly Dalits, face even greater challenges. Dalit women are subjected to both gender and caste-based discrimination, making it even harder for them to access education, healthcare and employment opportunities. They are more likely to be victims of violence and have less access to legal recourse.
In rural areas, Dalit women are often forced into exploitative labor conditions and suffer from untouchability practices, which persist despite being legally abolished. Many are denied entry into temples and public places and are socially ostracized if they attempt to challenge these norms.
One of the most effective ways to improve women’s rights in Nepal is through education and economic empowerment. Girls’ education must be prioritized, and incentives should be provided to families to keep their daughters in school. Scholarship programs and awareness campaigns can help shift the mindset that prioritizes boys’ education over girls'.
Vocational training programs can also help women gain financial independence. Access to microfinance and small business loans can enable women, particularly in rural areas, to start their own businesses and become self-reliant. Economic independence is a crucial factor in breaking the cycle of oppression and domestic violence.
The rise of social media and activism has played a significant role in highlighting gender-based discrimination and injustices faced by women in Nepal. Movements such as #RageAgainstRape and #WomenMarch have brought attention to issues like sexual violence, gender pay gaps and reproductive rights. The media has also helped expose cases of abuse and discrimination, pressuring the government to take action.
However, media portrayals of women can still be problematic. Many television shows, advertisements and films continue to reinforce gender stereotypes, depicting women as submissive and dependent. Challenging these narratives and promoting positive representations of women in media is crucial for changing societal attitudes.
Government role
The government must also strengthen law enforcement mechanisms to ensure that women’s rights are not just written in the constitution but actively protected and practiced. Many women hesitate to seek justice due to inefficient legal procedures, corruption and the fear of retaliation from perpetrators. Establishing more women-friendly police stations and fast-track courts for gender-based violence cases could help address this issue.
Moreover, policymakers must focus on closing the loopholes in existing laws and ensuring their effective implementation. For example, while laws against child marriage exist, they are often not enforced strictly. A stronger judicial system, along with grassroots awareness campaigns, can help in eradicating these issues.
Legislative changes alone cannot bring about real equality. A fundamental shift in mindset is required, starting from families and educational institutions. Schools should integrate gender sensitivity training, and families should encourage equal opportunities for both sons and daughters. Additionally, community-driven awareness programs can play a crucial role in dismantling outdated patriarchal beliefs.
It is also crucial for men to be actively involved in the fight for gender equality. The movement should not be seen as a “women’s issue” alone but as a societal issue that affects everyone. Encouraging men to challenge toxic masculinity and support gender-equal policies will create a more inclusive society.
Women’s rights in Nepal remain a paradox—legally recognized but socially restricted. The constitution provides a strong foundation, but societal mentality, particularly in rural areas, continues to hinder progress. Even in urban settings, gender biases persist. True change will only come when laws are not just written but actively enforced, and when society fully embraces the idea that women deserve equal rights in every aspect of life. Until then, the struggle for genuine gender equality continues.
