Praiseworthy Achievement

THAT there are 303 cooperatives managed by women must come as a piece of encouraging news in a country where women in general are behind men in almost every sector. As long as women do not participate in the mainstream of development not only theirs but the entire country’s prospects are bleak. Compared to a few decades back the women now have come forward and shown their enterprising spirit. They have in this manner carved a place in the society as those who can do equally well or even better than their male counterparts in assorted spheres. The country’s population is equally divided between males and females. With the participation of the women in development activities, much can be expected. The sad fact, however, is that due to various reasons the women have not been able to receive the credit for their contributions. Even where women can pitch in, illiteracy and lack of awareness have led to their falling behind in tapping new opportunities. This is especially true for the rural women as a majority of them are steeped in their traditional roles and barely step out of it. The society with its conservative leanings too has hampered with women’s development. The need therefore has arisen for women themselves to join hands and break the shackles of discrimination that persists despite the fact that the Constitution says otherwise.

The emerging women of today have shown that no work or job is too difficult for them to accomplish. The running of over three hundred women cooperatives in the country proves this. It is an achievement in itself. The figures were disclosed at a one-day interaction programme on "Participation of Women for Development of Cooperatives" organised by the National Cooperative Association Women Committee in Kathmandu on Sunday. The views expressed at the programme have highlighted the need for freedom of cooperatives and concrete policies. The skill, they have shown in managing cooperatives, despite some handicaps, is praiseworthy. The Nepalese women, in fact, are slowly displaying their ability to deal with work of any nature. Not only in the cities but also in the villages the women have proved they are no less than men.

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• Laudable Initiative