- Categories:
- Federal
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- AwarenessCivicWomen
- Where:
- Nepal
- Date change rule:
- Every March 8
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- 🇳🇵
Nari Dibas, or International Women’s Day in Nepal, is observed every March 8 to acknowledge the tremendous work done by the country’s feminist movement. This national public holiday uplifts and supports Nepalese women from all walks of life. Discover how to participate in celebrations and advocate for gender equality.
Want to sponsor Nari Dibas? Learn how
Expected Nari Dibas Deals
Nari Dibas focuses on advocacy and empowerment rather than commercial deals. Organizations like the National Women’s Commission and the Ministry of Women, Children and Senior Citizens in Nepal lead public awareness campaigns and events. Globally, entities like UN Women support local initiatives aimed at gender equality. Look for opportunities to donate to Nepalese women’s funds such as Tewa (Nepal) or support NGOs like the Women’s Rehabilitation Centre (WOREC Nepal). Some international brands with a presence in Nepal, like Coca-Cola Nepal or Dabur Nepal, may run corporate social responsibility programs or employee engagement initiatives that highlight women’s contributions. We will update this page with confirmed live events and awareness drives as March 8 approaches.
Platform Guide for Nari Dibas
Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #NariDibas. Share insights on women’s leadership and gender equality in the workplace.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NariDibas. Share stories of inspiring Nepalese women and local community events.
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Mention @NatlToday and use #NariDibas. Engage in discussions about women’s rights, policy changes, and progress in Nepal.
Nari Dibas Hero
Bidya Devi Bhandari
History of Nari Dibas
In 1920, a Hindu religious leader founded Nari Samiti, Nepal’s first female organization. Powered by the faith in the religion she preached, she sought to abolish Sati Pratha, a historical Hindu practice in which a widow ends her life by placing herself on top of the funeral pyre of her deceased husband. She was mocked, discarded, and disenfranchised by the members of her community, but she was ultimately successful in banning the practice from her country.
Her name was Yogmaye Neupane, and she cast the first ripples of a century-long feminist uprising in the republic of Nepal. In the years to come, the women’s movement of Nepal has been a collective effort of social and political campaigns aimed at achieving a better, more equal society.
The biggest breakthrough came in 1996 when thousands of people came together to topple Nepal’s 240-year-long monarchy. The women’s participation in the formation of Nepal’s republic was equally rewarded with the adoption of a progressive and inclusive constitution in 2007.
While the 21st-century Nepalese women have the constitutional right to vote, own property, and make decisions about their reproductive health, the nation still has a long way to go. From the rising cases of recurring domestic violence to human trafficking, the women of Nepal face myriad issues as they carve out a future for themselves.
On Nari Dibas, we reflect on the obstacles that women and girls face in society. The United Nations Women’s Organization believes that through increased awareness, political leverage, and coherent policies, we can ditch the patriarchy in the 21st century and build a sustainable system of life for everyone in the world.
Nari Dibas timeline
Women’s rights leader Yogmaya Neupane successfully campaigns to abolish Sati practices in Nepal, causing the first dent in the country’s feudal patriarchal base.
Political leader Dwarika Devi Thakurani becomes the first female elected representative of Nepal.
Nepal amends the women’s right to abortion and the right to own property in the constitution.
Major affirmative actions regarding women’s access to health, education, social security, and employment are adopted in a brand new constitution.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Nari Dibas
Local businesses in Nepal can honor Nari Dibas by implementing gender-inclusive workplace policies, offering mentorship programs for female employees, or collaborating with local women’s organizations. Restaurants might feature special menus that highlight female chefs or traditional Nepalese dishes prepared by women. Retailers could showcase products from women-owned businesses or donate a portion of their sales to a women’s empowerment fund. The focus should be on authentic support and recognition of women’s contributions to the economy and society.
Nari Dibas FAQs
When is Nari Dibas?
In 2027, Nari Dibas will be observed on Monday, March 8. This annual observance continues to highlight the ongoing efforts of Nepal’s feminist movement and the journey towards gender equality.
How is Nari Dibas related to International Women's Day?
While sharing the same date as International Women’s Day, Nari Dibas in Nepal has a distinct cultural and political context. It focuses on the achievements and challenges faced by Nepalese women, with celebrations often organized by national women’s commissions and ministries.
What is the status of women's rights in Nepal?
Continuing efforts in Nepal aim to further strengthen women’s rights, focusing on issues like property rights, access to education, and healthcare. The observance of Nari Dibas in 2027 will likely highlight ongoing campaigns and policy initiatives to address these persistent inequalities.
What are some key initiatives for women's empowerment in Nepal?
For 2027, initiatives will continue to build on existing frameworks, with a strong emphasis on increasing women’s participation in decision-making roles, promoting entrepreneurship, and ensuring access to justice for survivors of gender-based violence, reflecting a holistic approach to empowerment.
How to Observe Nari Dibas
Donate to women’s charities
Several local and national charities dedicated to women’s safety and upliftment are highlighted on Nari Dibas. These organizations have offered practical support in critical hours and saved thousands of lives. On March 8, show these vital groups your appreciation.
Watch a movie with a strong female lead
In honor of this public holiday, pamper yourself with a night of Katniss or Captain Marvel. We can’t be what we can’t see — you never know what the stories of female-led rebellions and their subsequent victories may end up teaching you.
Take action and inspire
Great female leaders throughout history have risked their lives to challenge patriarchy. The fight for equal rights demands everyone’s participation — and it starts at home. As Maya Angelou said, “Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it possibly, without claiming it, she stands up for all women.”
5 Heartbreaking Facts About Nepal’s Gender Inequality
The index drip
Nepal ranks 115th out of 162 on the Gender Equality Index.
The child bride capital
Nepal has one of the highest rates of child marriages in the world, with 40% of girls getting married before they turn 18.
The never-ending trauma
As per a study, 51.9% of Nepalese women have experienced either physical or mental violence in their life, with 46.2% being a victim of sexual assault.
The bondage of marriage
In Nepal, 81% of married women experience domestic violence, perpetrated by either their husbands or family members.
The state of no refuge
There is no adequate law in Nepal’s constitution that deals with the sexual harassment or molesting of women.
Why Nari Dibas is Important
It recognizes the efforts
Nepal continues to make strides towards gender equality. In the last decade, the country has gotten its first female Chief Justice and its first female President. As Nepalese work to reverse centuries of patriarchal conditioning, it is important to stop and applaud every cracked glass ceiling and every crossed hurdle.
It lays the path
Several organizations like RUWON, the Women’s Foundation Nepal, Feminist Dalit Organization (FEDO), and Saathi are doing the tireless work of connecting women to resources, educational avenues, financial help, and domestic shelter. Nari Dibas recognizes their valiant efforts and raises awareness on their behalf.
It recognizes the power
Nari Dibas honors the power of womanhood and celebrates the strength of femininity. From rounding rolls of dough to running a country, there’s nothing women can’t do.
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