In Nepal’s context, like in many other developing countries, this day holds special significance, as so many girls, especially in the rural areas, are still deprived of schooling and quality education owing to various reasons – financial difficulties, lack of awareness about the importance of girls’ education – and lack of separate toilets for girls in coed schools, the last one creating sanitation issues during their regular menstrual cycles. [break]
Living and studying in Kathmandu, most young girls might not have faced all these, but they sure are aware. After all, 45% of Nepali women are still illiterate, according to the Central Bureau of Statistics, Government of Nepal.
We talked to some young boys and girls in Kathmandu to seek their suggestions for bettering the education scene of girls in Nepal.
“Extracurricular activities must be introduced along with regular course studies, like music classes, drama, sports, home science, etc so that girls find it interesting to go to school. Also, many girls don’t go to school during their menstrual cycles, so schools should construct proper toilets for girl students. Making sanitary pads available in the school in cases of emergency can also make a lot of difference when it comes to reducing the dropout rate of girls.”
Jenita Gautam,
Bachelor of Civil Engineering, Kathmandu Engineering College, Kalimati
“I think well educated people from the urban areas should go to teach in the rural areas, at least for a short time. These teachers can be motivated to teach well by providing them good salaries and proper places to stay. Government should devise and then implement proper plans to ensure this. The girls in the villages cannot be dragged to schools, but they sure can be convinced. A good teacher can play that role. If it’s a female teacher, then it works even better.”
Shubhechchha Dahal,
Bachelor in Information Management, St Xavier’s College, Maitighar
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