Gender Inequality in Community Forest User Group of Nepal

Abstract

Gender inequality in one of the prominent issues either in developed or in developing nations. Although gender equality is the fifth goal of sustainable development, equality has not been achieved. This study aimed to examine the gender inequality in the community forest user group of Nepal. To conduct the research from quantitative research design, descriptive and explanatory research design has been used. 90 percent respondents said that there is inequality of inclusion by kindness in CFUG. 97.5 percent respondents said that the main cause of inequality is socio-cultural practices. From the research we concluded that there is gender inequality in forest user group. Among all the types of inequality that exist in CFUG the fundamental and crucial types is inclusion by kindness. The inequality is caused due to socio-cultural practices practiced from the birth. Though in modern time education system has advanced and awareness is created by various organizations still the main cause of inequality is due to socio-cultural practices. Due to gender inequality in the CFUG the consequence is social conflict among the members which create problems in management of community forest user group. The conflict among the members will led to weak management in community forest and unable to achieve the objective of community forest. From the research we can say that only education will help to reduce gender inequality in the community forest user group. Though education is expanding and access to the education is increasing there is gender inequality in the community forest user group and respondent even said that education is one of the prominent method to reduce gender inequality in CFUG. Result deduce conclusion that the major agent of gender inequality is religious organization and its religious practices.