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Labor Day is a celebration of workers’ contributions across the world. But for millions of women—especially in developing countries like Nepal—it serves as a bittersweet reminder: despite working just as hard, women continue to earn significantly less than their male colleagues. According to the Nepal Labor Force Survey (2022), women earn about 23 percent less than men on average, even when performing similar roles.

In Nepal, women not only face lower wages but also encounter insecure job conditions such as lack of benefits, and limited promotion opportunities. Even when legal protections exist, the realities on the ground tell a different story.

Every morning Sunmaya Lama (33) from Kavrepalanchok, goes to build homes for others. “I came here three years ago,” she says, her hands calloused from hauling bricks and mixing cement. “There weren’t many opportunities back home. At least here, I can earn something for myself and my parents back home.”

Lama works as a daily wage laborer, but her labor comes at a cost. Despite doing the same heavy lifting and physical work as her male coworkers, she earns slightly less. “They say the men are stronger, so they get more,” she explains. “But we carry the same weight, work the same hours.”

Her words reflect a broader problem faced by many women in the construction sector: lack of formal contracts, unequal pay, and limited access to healthcare or workers’ rights. Her dream is simple. “I don’t want to do this forever,” she says. “Maybe one day I can open a small tea shop.”

For the past year, Bikram Yonjan has been working on construction sites across Kathmandu—stacking bricks, mixing cement, and carrying loads. But alongside the sweat and struggle, Yonjan carries something else: respect for his female co-workers.

“When I first started, I didn’t think much about it,” says the 45-year-old from Dolakha. “But then I saw how hard the women here work—just as hard as us. And still, they get paid less.”

Yonjan, who fought hard to even secure his own daily wage when he started, says the pay gap didn’t sit right with him. “I had to argue with the contractor at first just to get fair wages. I know how that feels.”

While he now earns a bit more than the female laborers he admits it doesn’t feel entirely fair. “We do the same work. Sometimes they carry more. The only difference is what we’re paid.”

Over time, he has become known on the site not just for his strength, but for his attitude. He often tells the women to take a break when they look exhausted. “I know many of them deal with body pain, some even during their monthly cycle. But they keep working without complaint.” He smiles, “I admire them, truly. They deserve better—more pay, more rest, more care.” “We’re all building the same house,” he says. “We should be treated equally while doing it.”

Why does this wage gap persist?

Sudip Singh Nakarmi, a member of the Gender Studies Department at Tribhuvan University (TU), says that occupational segregation begins in childhood, shaping how society expects men and women to work. Women are often burdened with juggling office work, household chores, and caregiving, yet their labor is undervalued.

Ramhari Nepal, chairperson of the General Federation of Nepalese Trade Unions (GEFONT), notes that wage disparity is common in sectors like agriculture, service industries, and house construction. He points out that although both men and women contribute equally to house construction, the work is divided by physical demands, leading to differences in pay.

“Wage differences can often be determined by the nature of the work performed by men and women. For example, during house construction, men typically undertake heavier tasks such as climbing three to four stories and cementing structures, while women are more often responsible for assisting by transporting materials. Although both contribute equally to the construction process, the type of service they provide differs, leading to wage disparities,” he says.

Humnath Parajuli, under secretary and information officer at the Ministry of Labor, Employment and Social Security, says that wage disparity is often recognized in the formal sector but persists—and even appears “idealized”—in informal sectors like the movie industry. Efforts to create gender-sensitive workplaces focus more on behavior and environment, often ignoring wage inequalities.

Many companies do not openly share salary information, making it harder to spot and correct discrimination. A 2023 report by the Forum for Women, Law and Development (FWLD) found that only 40 percent of surveyed workplaces in Kathmandu complied with equal pay requirements.

Although Nepal’s Constitution, Labor Act, and various policies guarantee equal pay for equal work, enforcement remains limited. Employers sometimes bypass regulations through informal wage practices.
Beyond formal employment, women’s unpaid work—cooking, cleaning, caregiving—remains largely unrecognized in economic calculations.

The Central Bureau of Statistics, Nepal’s national data agency, reports that the widest pay gap between men and women exists in the ‘professional’ sector. For instance, while a male professional earns around Rs 25,800 per month, a female in the same category earns only Rs 14,000.

Nepal ranks second among South Asian countries and 101st globally in the Global Gender Gap Report 2020. Although the country performs relatively well in political empowerment, it lags behind in educational attainment and health outcomes for women.

A 2023 report by the World Economic Forum (WEF) highlighted that no country has yet achieved pay equality between men and women. Alarmingly, at the current pace of progress, it could take more than two centuries to fully close the global gender pay gap. However, this daunting reality should strengthen, not weaken, efforts to eliminate wage discrimination.

Globally, women now hold 34 percent of senior management roles in the mid-market sector—a 0.5 percentage point increase from 2024. This steady rise marks five consecutive years of progress toward gender parity in leadership positions, exceeding the previous trend.

Legal framework in Nepal

Nepal has made significant steps in ensuring gender equality through a legal framework. The Constitution, along with key laws like the Labor Act and the National Gender Equality Policy, guarantees equal protection, pay, and opportunities for women. Additionally, Nepal is committed to international agreements too. Some legal frameworks are listed below:

• Constitution of Nepal: Article 18 guarantees equal protection under the law and prohibits discrimination based on sex.
  Article 38 ensures women’s participation in all state structures and mandates equal pay for equal work.
• Labour Act, 2017: Section 7 prohibits discrimination in employment based on gender.
  Section 15 requires employers to determine wages without discrimination and promote transparency.
• National Gender Equality Policy (2016): Aims to provide equal economic opportunities for women and ensure fair access to decent work.
• International commitments: Nepal is a signatory to ILO Convention No. 100 (Equal Remuneration) and Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), both of which call for elimination of gender-based discrimination in the workplace.

Despite these strong legal frameworks, societal attitudes, weak monitoring, and lack of awareness among employers and workers alike contribute to persistent inequalities.

The way forward

Addressing the wage gap requires a multi-pronged approach. Implementing salary transparency through clear and public sharing of wage structures is crucial to ensuring accountability. Stronger enforcement mechanisms, including regular monitoring and strict penalties for violations, must be established to uphold equal pay laws.

At the same time, cultural shifts are needed to genuinely value women’s labor, both paid and unpaid, across all sectors. Education and awareness play a vital role, as emphasized by Nakarmi, in empowering women and marginalized communities to advocate for their rights. Additionally, inclusive policies must be prioritized to ensure that lower-class communities and LGBTQIA+ individuals—who often face multiple layers of discrimination—are not left behind in the fight for wage equality.

Aalash, alsi, tisi, or simply flaxseeds—whatever name you call them by—these seeds have made a surprising comeback. Once known as a poor man’s oilseed, flaxseeds are now being promoted as a superfood by social media influencers across the world. While sesame seeds have always been the preferred choice for chutneys (achar) in Nepal, flaxseeds were usually left out. Even flaxseed oil, now praised as healthy, was traditionally used only by poor families in Nepal and Bihar. It was rarely seen in kitchens. Instead, its main uses were in soap making, paints, varnishes, and linoleum. Some people also used it for hair and skincare, or as animal feed.

Long before influencers made it trendy, the ancient Ayurvedic texts had already highlighted the many benefits of flaxseeds. However, this knowledge remained within the circles of traditional health practitioners and never reached the wider public.

Before diving into the many health benefits of flaxseeds, it’s important to be aware of some possible side effects. For most adults, flaxseed is generally safe. But adding it to your daily diet may lead to more frequent bowel movements and might cause bloating, gas, stomachache, or nausea—especially in higher doses.

Pregnant women are advised to avoid flaxseeds because they can mimic estrogen in the body. This hormone-like behavior can also be a concern for people with hormone-sensitive conditions such as breast or ovarian cancer. Some types of flaxseeds that are low in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) may raise triglyceride levels in the blood, which can be harmful for people with high cholesterol.

Additionally, flaxseeds may increase the risk of bleeding during or after surgery. Medical experts recommend stopping their use at least two weeks before any scheduled surgery.The outer cover of flaxseeds is difficult to digest, so it should be crushed before use. The best method is to dry-roast the seeds, crush them, and then use them.

Flaxseed, or Linum usitatissimum, is believed to be one of the oldest cultivated crops—grown over 6,000 years ago. It originated in Mesopotamia and was used by ancient Egyptians and Babylonians. Over time, flax spread to Europe, Asia, and eventually the Americas. In Nepal, it’s mainly grown in the Madhesh region and inner Madhesh, where it continues to be a part of traditional farming systems.

Today, science is catching up with ancient wisdom. Flaxseeds are now recognized globally for their exceptional nutritional value.Flaxseeds are a rich source of ALA, an essential omega-3 fatty acid that supports heart health, reduces inflammation, and boosts brain function. They contain both soluble and insoluble fiber, which aids digestion, regulates bowel movements, and supports gut health. It also helps manage blood sugar and lowers cholesterol.

It’s packed with lignans. These natural antioxidants reduce oxidative stress and may lower the risk of chronic illnesses like heart disease and cancer. They also help balance hormones, especially in women. The fiber content promotes a feeling of fullness, which can help reduce calorie intake. Omega-3s also support a healthy metabolism.

Flaxseeds help improve skin texture by reducing dryness, redness, and irritation, giving your skin a healthier glow. According to Ayurveda, flaxseeds support hormonal balance in both men and women. They are particularly helpful during menopause and puberty and can ease symptoms like cramps and hot flashes.

The omega-3s and lignans have anti-inflammatory effects that may benefit those suffering from arthritis, heart disease, and diabetes. In Ayurvedic medicine, flaxseeds are considered tridoshic—meaning they are suitable for all body types. They are believed to warm the body, calm the mind, and balance Vata, Pitta, and Kapha doshas.

Flaxseed oil is also widely used in Ayurveda for its internal and external health benefits. It’s believed to improve digestion (agni) and promote vitality (ojas), contributing to overall well-being.

Flaxseeds are not just healthy—they’re versatile in the kitchen. In Nepal, both traditional and modern dishes now feature flaxseeds in creative ways. 

Flaxseed powder drink (Sattu-style): A popular breakfast item, this drink is made by mixing roasted flaxseed powder with warm water. Add almonds, a pinch of black salt, and cumin powder for extra flavor and nutrition.

Flaxseed in bread: Mix flaxseed powder into dough for roti or paratha. It adds nutrients without changing the taste much and blends easily with other grains. 

Flaxseed achar chhop (dry chutney): Combine flaxseeds with sesame, coriander, and dried chilies to make a dry chutney that pairs perfectly with dal and rice. 

Flaxseed oil: This oil can be used in salad dressings or drizzled over cooked vegetables, soups, or lentils. Its nutty flavor adds depth to simple dishes. 

Flaxseed pina (cake): Add flaxseed powder to traditional Nepali cakes to improve texture and nutrition. It’s a great substitute for unhealthy fats in baking.

Flaxseeds, once ignored and underestimated, have now emerged as a modern-day superfood. With their rich nutrient content, ease of use in cooking, and long history in Ayurvedic healing, they deserve a place in every Nepali kitchen.

As Nepal continues to promote flaxseed farming, there is also economic potential. With proper processing and branding, flaxseeds could become a valuable export product for Nepal, tapping into the growing global demand for healthy, plant-based foods.

The author is a London-based R&D chef

Lately, the bilateral relationship between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Nepal has transformed into a robust, multifaceted strategic alliance, encompassing key areas such as trade, labor mobility, cultural exchange, and infrastructure development. This partnership reflects both nations’ commitment to sustainable development, economic resilience, and mutual prosperity.  

A recent milestone in this growing relationship came with the visit of Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs. During his visit, he met with Nepal’s President Ram Chandra Poudel and Deputy Prime Minister Prakash Man Singh, signaling a deepened diplomatic engagement and a forward-looking partnership between the two countries. 

Abdulla Saeed Mubarak Jarwan Al Shamsi, UAE Ambassador to Nepal, has led key diplomatic missions, including facilitating the visit of Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, strengthening UAE-Nepal relations through mutual understanding and collaboration. The trade between the UAE and Nepal has experienced impressive growth, with the UAE now emerging as Nepal’s primary trade partner within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). In 2023, UAE’s export to Nepal was $265.76m and key products were gold, computers, copper wire, machinery and plastics. Similarly, Nepal’s export to UAE stood at $4.56m and key export items were handwoven carpets, tea, spices and medicinal herbs.

Over the past two years, bilateral trade has grown by 7.8 percent. Nepal continues to focus on expanding its agricultural and natural product exports to meet the rising demand in the UAE market. Labor migration remains a cornerstone of the UAE-Nepal partnership. As of 2024, over 225,000 Nepalese nationals are employed in various sectors across the UAE, contributing significantly to both economies. The breakdown of employment sectors is as follows: construction: 40 percent; hospitality: 25 percent; retail/logistics: 20 percent and healthcare/domestic work: 15 percent.  In 2025, remittances from the UAE to Nepal reached $7.74bn, accounting for 24 percent of Nepal’s GDP. These funds play a crucial role in supporting education, healthcare, and rural infrastructure development across Nepal.

Air connectivity between the UAE and Nepal continues to strengthen. Flydubai operates 28 weekly flights between Dubai and Kathmandu, facilitating robust travel links. Additionally, a new daily route to Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa, set to launch in Nov 2024, will enhance access to Lumbini, Nepal’s religious tourism hub, further strengthening bilateral tourism ties. The future of UAE-Nepal relations holds immense potential, particularly in the following sectors such as urban development, renewable energy, and technology and digital trade.

The UAE’s expertise in smart city projects complements Nepal’s Vision 2040, aimed at modernizing urban infrastructure.  There is significant potential for collaboration between the UAE’s solar energy initiatives and Nepal’s untapped hydropower resources. Nepal’s rapidly growing tech and e-commerce sectors present new opportunities for UAE investors seeking to explore digital trade and innovation.

The UAE is home to over 225,000 Nepali expatriates, whose presence strengthens cultural ties between the two nations.  The UAE’s labor diplomacy initiatives have focused on protecting workers' rights and promoting skills development, allowing Nepalese nationals to build sustainable careers and contribute to both the UAE and Nepal’s economic growth. 

The UAE-Nepal relationship has evolved into a multifaceted partnership based on economic resilience, human capital empowerment, infrastructure development, cultural exchange and diplomacy.  This evolving alliance embodies the shared vision of both countries for a brighter, more prosperous future. Through their continued collaboration, the UAE and Nepal are paving the way for long-term success and setting an example of mutual respect, cooperation, and a shared commitment to global prosperity.

For centuries, marijuana has been part of Nepal’s cultural landscape. However, the 1976 ban on its production and consumption has deprived the country of a significant opportunity—not only in tourism and the economy but, more importantly, in accessing its medical benefits. In earlier times, sadhus and yogis used marijuana for religious and medicinal purposes. Nepal was once renowned for its legendary Himalayan cannabis, and Kathmandu’s streets were a haven for tourists and hippies from around the world.

Legalizing cannabis is complex, particularly due to the stigma and misunderstanding surrounding its use. Research shows that its medical benefits emerge not from smoking but from refined and processed forms. Despite growing evidence, it remains illegal and widely misunderstood. Medicinal cannabis can aid in pain relief, reduce inflammation, manage anxiety and depression, treat epilepsy and seizures, improve sleep, and help with neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

As scientific studies increasingly confirm marijuana’s therapeutic value, Nepal should reconsider its stance—not to encourage unregulated use, but to harness its vast medical and economic potential.

Globally, perceptions of marijuana are shifting. Over 40 countries, including Germany, Thailand, and several US states, have decriminalized or legalized cannabis for medical use. From chronic pain to neurological disorders, its therapeutic applications are driving reform. Studies highlight cannabis’s effectiveness in easing symptoms of multiple sclerosis and controlling seizures in epilepsy.

A major breakthrough came when research confirmed the medical potential of cannabinoids, particularly CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). These compounds have proven effective in managing chronic pain, anxiety, and epilepsy. CBD, which lacks the psychoactive effects of THC, has shown promise in treating conditions like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.

Nepal’s unique geography and climate make it ideal for cultivating high-quality cannabis. Reintroducing marijuana into the formal economy—strictly for medical use—could offer a valuable economic edge. Legal cultivation could empower farmers, generate export revenue, and create jobs. Despite calls for legalization, the government has yet to take concrete steps, largely due to the outdated 1976 Narcotic Drugs (Control) Act, which still classifies cannabis as illegal. This legislation remains a significant barrier to reform.

Ironically, during Shivaratri—a major Hindu festival—marijuana use is normalized, highlighting a contradiction where illegality exists only on paper. So how can we normalize it in law?

In regions like Rolpa, Rukum, and remote parts of Karnali Province, wild cannabis already grows in abundance. With proper cultivation practices, Nepal could supply high-grade medical marijuana for domestic and global markets. The global legal cannabis market was valued at $21bn in 2023 and is projected to grow by 25.7 percent annually through 2030. For a developing country like Nepal, in search of sustainable revenue sources amid economic uncertainty, marijuana may very well be the “green gold” waiting to be refined.

The benefits of medical marijuana span multiple sectors—from farmers, vendors, and logistics providers to healthcare systems, patients, and the government. Legalization could empower local communities and drive job creation. A regulated cannabis economy could open new revenue streams through taxation, exports, and pharmaceutical partnerships, significantly contributing to GDP growth.

Beyond boosting state revenues, legalization could generate employment across the entire supply chain—from cultivation and processing to research, transportation, and retail. Medical cannabis also offers the public a sense of reassurance. As disillusionment grows with the side effects of chemical-based medications, many are turning toward plant-based, herbal alternatives.

Medical cannabis provides natural and, in many cases, more effective treatment for a range of physical and mental health conditions. This shift not only supports public health and economic gains but also fosters innovation in Nepal’s herbal and pharmaceutical industries.

A proposed bill remains stalled, largely due to the outdated 1976 Act and fears of international backlash. Nonetheless, within Nepal, researchers, experts, and policymakers increasingly advocate for legalization. In fact, whichever political party champions and executes the bill may gain a competitive political advantage. Public support—especially among the youth—is growing rapidly. However, misconceptions persist. Many still confuse the medical benefits of cannabis with recreational smoking, which is misleading. Medical cannabis involves administering refined compounds like CBD and THC in precise, controlled doses—not raw or smoked forms.