Understanding Women's Empowerment in Nepal: Key Insights for Practitioners
Empowerment, particularly among women in rural settings, is a multifaceted concept that requires a nuanced understanding. A recent study titled Women's empowerment, extended families and male migration in Nepal: Insights from mixed methods analysis sheds light on the intricate dynamics of empowerment in Nepal. By combining qualitative and quantitative methods, this research offers valuable insights that can guide practitioners in creating effective interventions.
Key Findings from the Study
The study highlights several critical factors influencing women's empowerment in Nepal:
- Caste and Ethnicity: The research reveals that empowerment is strongly associated with caste and ethnic identity. Contrary to some ethnographic literature, the quantitative findings indicate greater disempowerment among low-caste (Dalit) and other ethnic groups (Janajati), suggesting that disempowerment may stem from poverty as well as patriarchy.
- Household Dynamics: The position of women within the household plays a significant role in their empowerment. The study finds that having a resident husband can mediate the disempowerment experienced by daughters-in-law, whereas wives in nuclear households tend to be more empowered when their husbands are migrants.
- Time Use and Agency: The research emphasizes the importance of control over time as a component of empowerment. It suggests that focusing on agency over time and the intensity of work, rather than just hours worked, provides a more accurate reflection of empowerment.
Implications for Practitioners
Practitioners can leverage these insights to enhance their strategies for promoting women's empowerment in similar contexts:
- Adopt a Mixed Methods Approach: Combining qualitative and quantitative data provides a comprehensive understanding of empowerment dynamics. Practitioners should consider integrating both methods in their assessments to capture the full spectrum of empowerment factors.
- Focus on Intersectionality: Recognize the intersection of caste, ethnicity, and household dynamics in empowerment processes. Tailor interventions to address the specific needs and challenges faced by different groups of women.
- Enhance Agency Over Time: Develop programs that empower women to have greater control over their time and workload. This could involve providing resources or support systems that enable women to make strategic life choices.
Encouraging Further Research
While this study provides valuable insights, there is a need for further research to explore the complexities of women's empowerment in different contexts. Practitioners are encouraged to conduct their own studies, using a mixed methods approach, to deepen their understanding and refine their interventions.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Women's empowerment, extended families and male migration in Nepal: Insights from mixed methods analysis.
