Educational History and Background of Women in Nepal

Education is one of the most powerful tools for social transformation. In the context of Nepal, the journey of women’s education has been a long and challenging one, shaped by historical, cultural, and political changes. From ancient traditions to modern reforms, the position of women in education reflects the overall progress of Nepalese society.

1. Ancient and Medieval Period

In ancient Nepal, during the Hindu-Buddhist era, women were given limited but notable access to spiritual and intellectual life. Women such as Gargi and Maitreyi from Vedic texts are often celebrated as early scholars, though such cases were rare and largely confined to elite families. Education at that time was mostly religious, focusing on Vedic chanting, Buddhist philosophy, and moral teachings. However, it was restricted to higher castes and privileged households.

The majority of women were not formally educated; instead, they were trained in household management and social etiquette. Society expected them to fulfill domestic roles rather than pursue intellectual growth. As a result, female literacy and participation in formal learning remained minimal.

2. Rana Regime (1846–1951)

The Rana regime is considered one of the darkest periods for education in Nepal. The autocratic rulers deliberately kept the general population uneducated to maintain their power. Girls’ education was nearly non-existent, except for a few members of the Rana and aristocratic families who had private tutors.

In 1854, the Durbar High School—the first formal school in Nepal—was established, but it was exclusively for boys from elite families. Common citizens, and especially women, were excluded from these educational opportunities. As a result, the women’s literacy rate during this era remained below 1%, leaving a long-lasting impact on women’s empowerment and participation in society.

3. Democratic Awakening and Early Reform (1951–1990)

The fall of the Rana regime in 1951 marked the beginning of a new chapter for education in Nepal. The introduction of democracy opened the doors for modern education, and efforts were made to include girls in schools. With support from India, UNESCO, and the USA, Nepal began establishing government schools and literacy programs for women.

Girls’ scholarships and awareness campaigns encouraged parents to educate their daughters. Some women began joining professions like teaching, nursing, and administration, though their numbers remained small. Despite these efforts, social barriers such as early marriage, dowry practices, gender stereotypes, and limited infrastructure in rural areas continued to hinder progress.

4. Post-1990 Democracy Era

The People’s Movement of 1990 brought a democratic constitution that guaranteed equal educational rights for boys and girls. This period saw rapid expansion in access to education. The government, along with NGOs and INGOs, launched programs such as free primary education, scholarships for girls, and adult literacy classes for women.

As a result, female literacy rates rose significantly—from about 25% in 1990 to over 60% by 2015. More women began enrolling in universities and professional programs, becoming doctors, engineers, lawyers, and journalists. This era was a turning point in promoting gender equality in education.

5. Present Context (2006–Today)

The 2015 Constitution of Nepal further strengthened women’s right to education by guaranteeing free and compulsory basic education up to grade 8 and free education up to grade 12 for girls. There are also reservations and special scholarships for women in higher education to promote inclusivity.

Today, the female literacy rate stands at around 65–70%, and more girls complete secondary education than ever before. However, dropout rates still increase during puberty due to early marriage, menstruation stigma, poverty, and migration issues. Despite these challenges, there is growing female participation in STEM fields, higher education, and leadership roles.

Key Achievements

Nepal has made notable progress in women’s education:

Significant rise in female enrollment at all educational levels.

Increasing number of female teachers and professors, serving as role models for the younger generation.

Government initiatives like President’s Education Reform Program, Girl-Friendly Schools, and Menstrual Hygiene Campaigns that aim to reduce gender gaps in education.

Remaining Challenges

Despite progress, several issues persist:

Rural-urban gap: Girls in remote areas still have less access to schools and quality education.

Social issues: Early marriage, gender-based discrimination, and poverty remain major barriers.

Infrastructure challenges: Lack of separate toilets, proper menstrual hygiene facilities, and technology access affect attendance and retention.

Quality of education: Girls often lack career guidance and access to advanced learning resources, limiting their opportunities in competitive fields.

Conclusion

The history of women’s education in Nepal is a story of resilience and transformation. From a time when women were largely excluded from learning, Nepal has moved toward ensuring inclusive and equitable education. Though challenges remain, the progress achieved over the past decades is remarkable. Empowering women through education is not just a matter of equality but a foundation for the nation’s social and economic development. With continued effort, Nepal can build a future where every girl has the opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to society.

By Reshmi Lamichhane