Gender and Social Inclusion (GESI)

Nepal is a country of cultural diversity with over 100 ethnic groups. Nepalese rulers prioritized Hindu norms and values. The Hinduization campaign was intensified by rulers for around four decades during the Panchayat regime. Thus, Nepalese society is largely shaped by Hindu norms and values. It is characterized by subordination of females. Rigid gender roles persist in society. Women have been deprived of mobility, higher education, access to resources, training and pay on a par with their male counterparts. Women are assaulted in the name of practicing witchcraft. Ill cultural practices like Chhaupadi and child marriage inflict violence against women. Heinous crimes like rape and acid attack on women continue to make headlines.

Similarly, many ethnic communities in Nepal have been marginalized. Ethnic communities like Chepang, Tamang, Danuwar and Dalits like Musahar, Gadharva, Badi and Pode continue to be deprived of state facilities and lack access to education and hence, better job opportunities. The Government of Nepal has adopted the policy of reservation in its bid to lift the status of marginalized communities. Most of the INGOs working in the development sector have implemented programs on Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI). They have adopted GESI approach in hiring of staff and in designing development programs. Researchers in SAIPAL have in-depth knowledge on situation of women, ethnic minorities and culture of Nepalese society. SAIPAL conducts research works grounded on theories by using qualitative and quantitative methods. It believes on conceptual framework like intersectionality and values lived experiences to capture the reality.