Nepal: Gender Equality and Social Inclusion: Avenues and Insights

Abstract

The fifth goal of the 2030 United Nations Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs) is gender equality. Nepal has signed on and committed to the SDGs, and has developed several policy commitments in support of gender equality. The approach to women’s empowerment and gender equality in Nepal is unique and specific to the region, as it uses the language of Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI). The constitution of Nepal (2015) articulates Nepal as an inclusive State and guarantees the right to equality for all citizens. The government is legally committed to gender equality and social inclusion. The GESI policies and guidelines are adopted in seven sectors and provide two key elements which are vital to reconstructing the country into an inclusive State. The two elements are the demonstration of government commitment to GESI, and practical guidance to industries on how to support GESI. The Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Working Group (2017) explain GESI as "… a method of targeting, but it is much more than that. GESI is a mindset, a process, and a set of desired outcomes - a way of doing development with a focus on ensuring that no one is left out of development programs and government services, that are intended to be universal" (p. 3). The constitution most notably includes the rights of women, right to equality, right to social justice and positive provisions which include affirmative action to address historical disadvantage and a ban on sex/caste/ethnicity-based discrimination.