Surendra Rajaura

Kathmandu School of Law, Nepal

Title: Breaking the Cycle: Women, Poverty and Empowerment in Nepali Society

---

Biography

Surendra Rajaura is an Assistant Professor at Kathmandu School of Law. Mr. Rajaura carries a Master's Degree in Law (LLM) in Human Rights and Gender Justice from the Purbanchal University, Nepal. He completed his integrated Bachelor in Law (LLB Five years) Degree from the same University in Business law. He is teaching subjects including procedural law, Law of Evidence, Agrarian Law, and clinical legal education. He is also engaged in various Clinical law department activities including the E-Education clinic. He has also been engaged in various academic research.

Abstract

Poverty in Nepal is deeply intertwined with gender inequality, disproportionately affecting women due to systemic barriers such as limited access to education, economic resources, and decision-making power. This keynote presentation aims to explore the complex relationship between women, poverty, and empowerment within the Nepali societal framework, emphasizing the need for transformative change. The primary objective is to identify the root causes of women's poverty, evaluate existing interventions, and propose sustainable strategies for empowerment. The scope of this work spans urban and rural areas, focusing on marginalized groups, including Dalits, indigenous women, and single mothers, who face compounded vulnerabilities. This study employs a data-driven approach, utilizing secondary data from authoritative sources and reports to provide a comprehensive overview of gender disparities in income, education, health, and political participation. Additionally, qualitative methods are used to contextualize the data and highlight lived experiences. Data is sourced from reputable organizations and government bodies to analyze systemic issues contributing to women’s poverty and empowerment.  Key findings reveal that entrenched patriarchal norms, lack of land ownership, and inadequate legal protections perpetuate women’s economic marginalization. However, targeted initiatives—such as microfinance programs, vocational training, and policy reforms promoting gender equality—have shown potential in reducing these disparities. For instance, government-led cash transfer programs and NGO-driven skill development workshops have improved livelihoods among rural women.  In conclusion, addressing women’s poverty requires a multi-sectorial approach, integrating policy reform, grassroots mobilization, and international collaboration. Empowering women through education, economic opportunities, and legal rights is not only a moral imperative but also a catalyst for societal progress. By fostering an inclusive environment, Nepal can break the cycle of poverty and pave the way for equitable development.