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Women’s Rights
by SHITU RAJBHANDARI
| FROM ISSUE # 135 (March 2007) | IN THIS ISSUE | |||
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The vocabulary for describing women is changing. Equality and empowerment have replaced terms such as the weaker sex and discrimination worldwide. Has the rise in the education industry in Kathmandu changed the way our young minds think? WAVE conversed with six students to hear their views on the hottest topic in the present day—feminism. Here is what they have to say. 
Participants:
Sudha Regmi, A Levels graduate from Budhanikantha School;
Ajay Shrestha,
Chiraj Chamling,
Rojesh Maharjan,
Srijana Karki, and
Pooja Thapa, all first-semester BBA students at Kantipur Valley College.
What do you think is feminism? 
Sudha: I think it's about women standing up for themselves and having an opinion of their own.
Ajay: Feminism provides equal rights to women.
Chiraj: Feminism talks about giving equal opportunities to women as men.
Rojesh: For me it is social, political and economical equality given to women.
Srijana: I would describe it as empowerment of women and opportunities.
Pooja: I think it's about giving equal opportunities to women and not discriminating them.
Do you think the concept of feminism is overrated? 
Sudha: It's not overrated but one needs to practice what they preach.
Chiraj: It's more of implementation than making big speeches about it.
Rojesh: We wouldn't say it's overrated because we are at a level to make use of what we are saying.
Who do you think are responsible for women's poor status?
Ajay: It's the women themselves. They still don't think about the ways to make their lives better. They easily become content with the life they live.
Rojesh: In all sectors of the society, it seems like the women today are happy at being where and what they are. 
Sudha: I think it's the society that still doesn't let a woman come out of her house and be the person she wants to be. The rules are strict and illogical when it comes to women.
Pooja/Srijana: Everything that a woman does goes through a scanner and the society has double standards for them. And most of the time, we have no choice but to be satisfied with the way things are.
How can the status of women be uplifted? 
Chiraj: We have to create an environment start from our parents and families.
Sudha: Yes, it's the families because we can't be looking at the face of the government only to save us.
Pooja: Appreciation for what a woman does regardless of how big or small her contribution is.
Ajay: There should be a desire to do something and that I think that's lacking in our society.
What is the most important factor that will help women gain equal status? 
Sudha: Education because until we aren't educated we don't know what opportunities are out there.
Chiraj: If it wasn't education even men wouldn't be where they are now.
Pooja: Support from the families and interest of the government to really do something for the women is required.
What do you have to say about the 33% quota separated for women? 
Ajay: It is good because there was a time when they didn't have any scope but now there is at least a platform.
Chiraj: It's a good thing because it encourages women to strive better.
Sudha: It's a good thing but if a woman is capable enough she can shine anyway.