United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has been observing World Population Day in all UN member countries since 1989. Every year, the Fund gives a theme related to global population issues. The theme for 2013 is Adolescent Pregnancy. Based on the theme, a national slogan on prohibiting adolescent pregnancy was formed In Nepal. But whatever the theme, the importance of adolescents in society is clear. Without adolescents, the development of the country can only be a dream. [break]
The age between 10-19 years is a crucial stage in human development. This is the time when executive functions of the brain emerge and significant physical, emotional, and cognitive changes, including sexual and reproductive maturation, take place in a person. In adolescence, people begin familiarizing themselves with economic, social, political and other professional opportunities and challenges. The experience, knowledge, and skills obtained during adolescence can be invaluable assets in adulthood as well as old age.
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The role of adolescents is not limited to reproductive rights. World Population Day is the right time to evaluate and discuss the role of adolescents. According to National Population and Housing Census 2011, the total population of adolescents is 6,417,404, which is 24.18 percent of total population of Nepal. This group of human resource, if used in the country’s development, can positively change the face of the country, while their involvement in negative path can result in destructive criminal activities.
Characteristics
93 percent of the adolescents in Nepal are literate, though with a nominal disparity between girls (92 percent) and boys (95 percent). Nepal government has been promoting education and literacy programs for adolescents through different formal, non-formal, and vocational education schemes. Increasing education facilities and awareness programs are gradually helping to improve the social and behavioral characteristics of adolescents.
Adolescents are not a homogeneous group. Their needs vary on the basis of gender, stage of development, lifestyle, social circumstances and economic conditions. Likewise, the habits and experiences of rural and urban adolescents are different.
Education and social role
The majority of girls and children from disadvantaged castes remain deprived of educational opportunities and health facilities. Moreover, important aspects of adolescents’ reproductive health, lifestyle, sexual needs, and effects are not properly incorporated in educational curricula.
Meaningful participation of adolescents in decision making is almost nil in Nepal. Traditional and cultural belief systems have restricted them from participating in family and social matters. They are brought up in fear of elders, seniors, males and upper caste people rather than with a sense of belonging in society. This practice has eroded their self esteem and respect. Juvenile benches have been established in district courts, but they do not fulfill the required standards and minimum requirements.
Gender discrimination among the adolescents is rampant. Harmful social norms like isolating females during menstruation, Chhoupadi, dowry, deuki, burka, and polygamy are still common, especially in remote rural areas. Social preference of sons has led to rampant female feticides.
Many adolescents in Nepal work for their livelihood, and some take care of their parents and juniors. A large number of adolescents are found either dropping out from schools and colleges or attending irregularly for these reasons. Being unemployed or out of workforce is considered a personal failure and increases the likelihood of social exclusion for these adolescents, which may drive them towards delinquency, drug abuse, prostitution, or suicide.
A large proportion of economically active adolescents are in the agricultural sector. However, data on adolescent employment is virtually absent. There is no reliable study about the employment of adolescents, their skills and desires. The UN committee on the Rights of the Child has also noted the insufficient attention to adolescents in the formulation of strategies and policies.
Related Policies
Nepal has ratified and accepted a number of international policy instruments to recognize and improve the rights, responsibilities, and behavior of adolescents, thereby bringing them into the mainstream of development. The Convention on the Right of Child 1989, Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women 1979, International Conference on Population and Development 1994, Fourth World Conference on Women (Beijing Platform for Action 1995), and ILO Worst Forms of Labor Convention 1999 ensure the fundamental rights of adolescents across the globe. Many initiatives have been taken in Nepal to ensure the same. Two separate ministries, namely the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Welfare, and the Ministry of Youth and Sports, have been established to deal with adolescents concerns. Many other youth related organizations are working in government and non government sectors. However, these policy instruments and institutions need to focus on formulating adolescent friendly policies and bring them into active implementation. Only then can World Population Day be successfully observed in the country.
The author is the Chief of Population Division, Ministry of Health and Population
badripp@gmail.com
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