Gender-biased sex selection in favor of boys is a manifestation of gender inequality and the unequal value given to girls in family and society at large. According to UNFPA, it is a result of pervasive social, cultural, political and economic injustices against girls and women. Globally, the sex ratio at birth ranges between 102 to106 boys, per 100 girls which in Nepal is 105 boys per 100 girls. The 2011 Population Census reveals that 12 districts have highly imbalanced sex ratio at birth (110 and over) due to son preference, which is alarming.

This policy brief was developed based on studies conducted to explore the socio-cultural factors underlying son preference and the practice of gender-biased sex selection in Nepal.