Travel Focus on Katmandu From a Gender Sensitive Perspective

Ever dream of what life would be like in such exotic places as Katmandu, for a young woman growing up in the 21st Century. How much has life changed with the advent of technology? For most women, it is difficult to imagine what life would be like but for twenty-four year old Khushbu, life can be challenging in an “a very conservative community, I have not let it be a hindrance to what I am doing. I can mix with people from all community, and all ages” she says. Despite the advent of technology and the influence of western society, Katmandu has maintained its culture, pride and traditions. However, life for women has changed dramatically as they attain more access to educational opportunities that were not available in the past. For Khushbu, “my greatest success has been fulfilling my dream of my father getting 3 national awards.”

In the past, such success for women was unheard of, but today it is common for women to want to achieve academically although they must do it under the protection of their family if they are single, to avoid dating and having sex before marriage. Again, let us examine Khushbu’s situation as she endeavors to continue here education, she was challenged by, “my father not letting me leave my city, having to stay in my relatives' house because my folks were worried about me”. Women have obtained educational freedom, yet lack the social freedom, many crave as an expression of their true liberation.