Gender
In Nepal socio-cultural norms dictate the social behaviour towards women. Gender-based discrimination is widespread and extends to ownership of productive assets (such as cattle), access to resources like land and other property, access to health and educational opportunities, work burden, access to public decision-making positions, mobility, and overall cultural status. As a result the structured dependence of women on men is high. Lack of food, lack of health care and education, malnutrition, iron deficiency, early pregnancy, frequent child bearing and most importantly, poor bargaining power to protect themselves from different kinds of violence, increases the vulnerability of girls and women. Despite progressive policy reforms, human development indicators of Nepali women and girls, especially from marginalized castes and ethnicities, living in remote areas, remain low.
As a signatory, Nepal's Government (GoN) has expressed its commitment to various international agreements and UN Conventions/Resolutions such as the
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), the Rome Statue of the
International Criminal Court, and
United Nations Security Council UNSCR 1325 (2000).
Women played a crucial role in the April 2006 People's Movement, but they have not been adequately represented in the decision-making and implementing structures of the peace process. In June 2006, the Government of Nepal passed a declaration, stating that 33% of women should be represented at all state decision making levels. While its implementation has been low, it remains a positive landmark agreement, reflecting a change towards the inclusion of women and marginalized groups in the New Nepal. 197 out of 601 Constituent Assembly members are women, yet less than 1% of women in the country own property.
The UNFPA's Gender component is mainstreamed in all of the Fund's programmes. UNFPA Nepal actively works with civil society and with government partners. Under the Gender Programme, national level efforts address policy related issues, while more specific support to women and local institutions is given at district and community levels. The overall strategy is to support women's access to services, resources and decision-making. The activities include support to the capacity building for women's empowerment, establishment of community support mechanisms, and capacity-building of health-service providers, security forces and women's networks. Facilitation of access to relief packages and services and encouraging partnerships of men and women of all ages are key elements in UNFPA's work. To achieve lasting effects, UNFPA lobbies and works with the government to create systems institutionalized in relevant ministries that address gender concerns and promote social inclusion.
Sexual and gender based violence (SGBV) occurs at every stage of a conflict and its impact is felt long after. In a post-conflict situation, women face additional vulnerabilities such as becoming victims of rape, forced pregnancy, sexual exploitation, and increased risk of HIV and AIDS. UNFPA recognizes an urgent need to support the government and other partners in their work. In addition the Fund works with communities directly to sensitize them to accept women associated with the conflict as well as internally displaced women, widows, ex-combatants, their dependents and supporters. Building the capacity of health-service providers, police, lawyers, media, community women and men to respond to sexual and gender-based violence and caste-based violence, is a priority for UNFPA.
UNFPA is the lead agency on the implementation of UNSCR 1325. This resolution specifically looks at the differential impacts of conflict on men and women, while emphasizing women's roles and needs during conflict, post-conflict and in peace processes. In Nepal's context, it highlights the need for increased women's participation and protection in the current peace process. UNFPA enhances cooperation and coordination with UN agencies, Government of Nepal and other stakeholders, such as NGOs, on programming and advocacy in connection to United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 (UNSCR 1325). During Nepal's crucial peace process, UNFPA has been the Co-chair of the UN Peace Support Working Group (PSWG) on UN Security Council Resolution 1325, composed of key donors and UN agencies, and is taking the lead in promoting women's participation and protection in Nepal's vulnerable post-conflict environment. With persistent advocacy by the Peace Support Working Group on 1325, the new Interim Constitution of Nepal, 2007 has recognized
Reproductive Rights as fundamental rights and forbids physical, mental or any other kinds of violence against women.
Among its specific programming components, UNFPA Nepal has made it a priority to emphasize the importance of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, both at the central and grassroots level. Specific initiatives include:
- The development of an information kit for journalists and follow-up training;
- The development of a cartoon booklet, training manual and pocket book guide for semi-literate grassroots audiences;
- Support to street drama performances on women's participation in the peace process;
- Assistance in developing and implementing a National Action Plan on UNSCR 1325, with the Ministry of Peace and Reconstruction, and other key stakeholders.
In Nepal's post-2008 election phase, UNFPA hopes to empower new female candidates, who have been elected to the Constituent Assembly and later to the Parliament.
Read more about the UNFPA work in the area of Gender:
