The status of women in Nepal
The education of women is one of our greatest achievements in recent years. This has been one of the most powerful factors leading to the modernization of our national life. While quantitatively the education of women still lags behind that of men, a qualitative analysis revels a hopeful trend. The average girl is much better motivated for studies than the average boy, and is a more purposeful and serious pupil. Since the basic intelligence of boys and girls is equal, their greater effort and better motivation gives a distinct edge to the girls who are now occupying more top positions each year in examinations and in other field as well. Girls group are also better disciplined. In these days of student’s unrest and grave indiscipline, one hardy hears of girls in many incidents such as involvement in antisocial activities. With such sustained effort from the very beginning of their student- life, one can be sure the women of Nepal will play an increasingly significant role in the days to come too.
Our constitution has conferred adult-franchise upon men and women alike without any distinction. The fundamental rights enshrined in our constitution contain a number of provisions prohibiting any discrimination on the grounds of sex. Yet we have a long way to go. The majorities of Nepalese women are still backward and are steeped ignorance and superstition. Legally, there is no doubt that they have complete equality with men but unless the large man of women are educated and enabled to make their proper place in society, the equality granted to them will remain illusory. It is the duty of educated and affluent sections of the community to come forward to discharge their responsibility to those who have been deprived of many opportunities. Society has borne the cost of our education and it is our duty to repay that debt by working to uplift the less privileged members of the society.
Gandhiji was fond of saying a man’s education is the education of an individual but a women’s education is the education of a family. She is the pivot of the family and has to be its teacher and leader. Nature has fitted her for the crucial role of bringing up the future citizens of the country. Teachers also have to deal with children at an impressionable age. The mother and the teacher have to mould the character of the younger generation. Their roles are therefore supplementary and complementary to each other. If they discharge their duties well, the future of the nation will indeed be bright. It would be advisable for them to meet often and confer among themselves about how best to bring up the children.
Women have to play up the increasingly significant role in their families but also in nation and international affairs. Their comparison and affection can bring a healing touch to a world in turmoil. I firmly believe that a peaceful and prosperous world is possible only if women march on the path of duty and participate with men in the administration of their respective countries. We are at the threshold of an era of unprecedented economic progress. I believe the women of Nepal have a mighty role to play in this holy hand of action for aarthik swaraaj-economic independence. There is no doubt that the task ahead of us is immense but with dedication and courage there is very hope that it will be completed. It has been repeatedly emphasized that the greatest challenge Nepal will be facing is the provision of remunerative and productive employment to its masses. In these difficult days, the housewife can supplement the family income by engaging in handicraft during her spare hours. They constitute the best means of supplementing the family income. Handicraft practiced by housewives such that it need not dislocate the family life.
