亚开行-尼泊尔某些部门的性别平等和社会包容性分析报告（英文）-2020.10-144页_2mb

Summary of GESI Diagnostic in Selected Sectors of Nepal

Core Content

This document presents a Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Diagnostic of selected sectors in Nepal, including agriculture and natural resource management, energy, skills development, transport, urban development, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). It was prepared by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in October 2020 to support the integration of gender equality, social inclusion, and women's empowerment in development projects.

The report outlines the country context, policy commitments, and institutional structures in Nepal that are relevant to GESI. It also provides sector-specific analyses, good practices, and future opportunities for promoting GESI in each of the selected sectors. Tip sheets are included to guide the implementation of GESI principles in project planning and operations.

Main Points

Country Context

• Nepal is a mountainous, landlocked, and least developed country with a population of 26.41 million and 125 ethnic groups.
• It is divided into three ecological zones: mountain, hills, and lowland (Tarai).
• The 2015 Constitution established a federal structure with three tiers of government: federal, provincial, and local.
• Local governments now have executive, legislative, and judicial powers.
• Development indicators have improved over the past two decades, but disparities based on location and social background persist.
• Poverty incidence decreased from 42% in 1996 to 21.6% in 2015.
• Provincial poverty varies, with Province 7 having the highest at 34% and Province 1 the lowest at 12%.
• Multidimensional poverty is highest in Province 6 at 51%.

Policy Commitments

• The Constitution of Nepal (2015) is committed to ending discrimination based on class, caste, region, language, religion, and gender.
• Nepal has ratified 23 international human rights instruments, including those on women, ethnic minorities, and persons with disabilities.
• Nepal is committed to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the principle of "leaving no one behind."

Institutional Structures

• GESI responsibilities are spread across federal, provincial, and local institutions.
• National Commissions for specific groups, such as Dalits and women, are constitutionally established.
• Non-state actors and identity-based organizations are active at all levels but have less visibility in remote and backward areas.
• Local governments have 77 districts, each with a district assembly and a district coordination committee.
• The Local Government Operation Act (LGOA) 2017 includes provisions for promoting GESI in local governance.

Sector-Specific Highlights

Agriculture and Natural Resource Management

• Agriculture is the mainstay of the economy, providing livelihoods to two-thirds of the population.
• Women and excluded groups face constraints in access to production inputs.
• Good practices include organizing and mobilizing women and excluded groups, and integrating climate-smart agricultural practices.
• Challenges include gender-based violence, caste discrimination, and limited participation in decision-making.

Energy

• Energy is crucial for economic development and social inclusion.
• Hydropower is a major potential area for development.
• Community-based rural electrification and biogas support programs are highlighted as good practices.
• Good practices also include engendering utilities and public-private partnerships.
• Challenges include gender bias in energy policies and limited access for women and marginalized groups.

Skills Development

• Skills development is essential for economic growth and employment opportunities.
• Women are underrepresented in nontraditional trades.
• Good practices include skills testing, increased access to training, and strategies to include women in nontraditional trades.
• Challenges include gender inequality in access to training and cultural barriers to women's participation.

Transport

• Transport is a critical sector for economic and social inclusion.
• Women face barriers in contractor roles and access to transport infrastructure.
• Good practices include gender-inclusive transport policies and improved access to paved roads.
• Challenges include gender-based violence and unequal participation in decision-making.

Urban Development

• Urban development is important for social inclusion and improving living standards.
• Women's ownership of property is a key issue in urban and rural areas.
• Good practices include gender-sensitive housing projects and tenure security measures.
• Challenges include gender inequality in urban governance and limited access to resources.

Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH)

• Access to water and sanitation is uneven across social groups.
• WASH projects aim to improve service delivery and gender equality.
• Good practices include output-based aid and gender-sensitive methodologies.
• Challenges include gender-based violence and lack of social acceptance for marginalized groups.

Key Information

• GESI is a policy priority for both government agencies and development partners in Nepal.
• Gender-responsive budgeting is a requirement for all government interventions.
• Tip sheets are provided for each sector to guide the integration of GESI principles.
• Data on literacy, employment, poverty, and other indicators is included in the Appendix.
• Institutional mechanisms and policy frameworks are in place to promote GESI, but implementation gaps remain, especially in remote areas.

Conclusion

The document emphasizes the importance of GESI in development planning and project implementation across selected sectors. It outlines existing challenges, good practices, and future opportunities for improving gender equality and social inclusion in Nepal. The overall goal is to ensure that no one is left behind in development processes and that women and excluded groups are equally empowered and included in all sectors.