Women Empowerment in Nepalese Army (A Sociological Study of Women Soldiers in Army Headquarter)

Abstract

This study has mainly concentrated to the female soldiers and their working environment in Nepalese Army Headquarters, Bhadrakali, Kathmandu It mainly focuses on the women empowerment and the relationship between male and female soldiers. It has dealt with various research questions based on socio-economic conditions, education level, family status, co-operation and support from co-workers, family, society, empowerment of women. 50 women soldiers were selected and this research has adopted questionnaire schedule, focus group discussion and case study as a part of techniques to collect data. Primary data was highly used in this research and secondary data also played their role to make this thesis effective. Major Findings :Age group from 18-40 are seen employed in NAHQ. Age group from 31-40 is the highest which is 32 % and lowest is 20 % which is of age group 18-24 . Chettri women are seen more in number followed by Brahmins, Rai/ Sherpa, Newar, and Dalits are seen in lesser number. Chettri holds the highest percentage of 38 and Dalits holds 4 %. Secondary level education is seen high 52 % in number and graduate solders 8 %. are in lesser number. Nuclear family system is seen more in numbers of 56 % than joint family of 44 %. Middle class people are in highest number of 42% and with 36 % of lower class is the lowest. Relationship between male and female is good. Women are highly empowered holding 80% and empowered respondents are 20%. Respondents who felt highly secured working with male co-workers are highest with 64 % and lowest are 16 %. Male senior and their support felt by respondents is highly supportive, supportive and less supportive in which supportive holds the greatest 44 % while less supportive is lowest of 20 %. Highly improved in living standard is 46 % and medial improved is 30 % which is lowest. Support from family members is high holding 44 % and less supportive holds 20%.Support from society holds 66% which is high than less support from society which is 34%.Thehighly maintained in personal and professional life is 54% which is greater than maintained only which is of 46%. Women power and their capability were observed during the insurgency period thus Nepalese Army believed in women and the recruitment process for them in combat roles was implemented. This was a drastic change for women and their empowerment.NA is always positive towards female soldiers and their promotion issues.NA also considers in women related problems and have a created a healthy and women friendly environment. To make easy in works male co-workers make them feel secure during working hours as well as guides them. Their personal matters are also considered positively and help them. Their relation with male co-workers is always positive as they follow their strict rules and discipline. After work as well they have their own limitations and boundaries that help to make females secured. Changes in plans and policies by decision making levels and women participation or their matters should be taken in considerations while making decisions by higher level. Strict rules and regulations should be implemented in every higher to lower level offices. Surely in future women will be seen on the top ranks of decision making level. This will be the great achievement of women and a matter of proud for whole Nation.