A country with geographical and cultural diversity followed by unique unity in diversity represents the rare identity of Nepal. But natural human gender diversity is still not shadowed under a common umbrella of equality.
The contradiction to maintain the status of women in Nepal and the balance between the reliable modern culture of gender equality and provocative ancient masculine tradition gives a transparent vision creating an inhabitable issue of today’s Nepalese society. Modern Nepalese society reflecting conflicting socio-economic status has focused on the concept of women empowerment for development which is resisted by the traditional belief of the masculine society.

In this scenario, rising women’s empowerment maintained by education and awareness has not gained a sustainable position yet. The approach of governmental and various private sector lighting lamps of women empowerment has shown some fruitful improving outcomes.  But it seems not enough; the rising critical contradiction is visualized by a prominent gap in women’s status between urban and rural areas of Nepal. There are a lot of things to be improved from each and every member of the Nepalese society. After all, women’s empowerment is not only a burning issue representing women’s rights but also a duty of every man which should be radiated as a heat of inspiration; respect, and love from their soul.

Empowerment doesn’t only include an efficient approach to education and employment but also a natural right to decide, equality, and understanding.  Withdrawing any of these factors can lower women’s status in human society.

Urban areas having effective education and awareness have maintained a good slandered of women’s potential in the socio-economic aspect but it still seems unserviceable in the field. Although there is an easy reach to legal activity, communication, awareness, and other additional support still the women empowerment is not accelerating in urban areas. Activities like; indoor gender discrimination, sexual harassment, and assault in a public place, illegal polygamy, etc. are still prevalent in city areas.

The women illiteracy is also a key drawback of Nepalese society resisting women empowerment in Nepal.

Literacy rates of Nepal 2011 AD:

This huge difference in male and female literacy rate is the result of gender discrimination prevalent in Nepalese society. Nepalese family gives educational priority to boys, as a result, many young girls are deprived of school education and forced to engage in household works.

The condition of women in rural areas is even more critical due to lack of education, awareness, and income source. The traditional masculine social concept followed by a lack of education and awareness is still prevalent in many villages of Nepal. Hard labor for gathering livestock and struggle to join their hand to mouth has resisted women to explore from their limited source. The early marriage and socially deprived of the right to decide pregnancy; women in the remote village have caused frequent maternal and infant death. The maternal death rate of Nepal is 170 death/100,000 lives. (2010AD)

The lack of knowledge about family planning in rural areas has resulted in frequent pregnancy resulting in population growth. The prevalent dowry system and early marriage in many parts of Terai have resulted in serious women’s rights violations and even death. Trafficking is an integral part of the social and economic fabric of Nepal, as in other parts of the world. The practice causes intolerable degradation and suffering for the girls and young women involved, who are treated as a commodity. It presents a risk to their physical and mental health, and in particular to their sexual health.

The women’s education and awareness work as a key to improving the living standard of women in rural areas. Moreover, filtering and polishing the social concept of masculine society as well as enhancing gender equality by establishing women’s right to decide from mutual intersexual respect helps to maintain women empowerment in Nepal.

To maintain women’s empowerment in Nepal; women’s participation in economic activities like making handicraft products, handmade gifts, eco-friendly products, and household decision-making plays a prominent role.  The relationship between women’s economic participation and their input into household decision making can improve family quality of life. Hence, women’s empowerment is essential for the development of our country. One of the social women entrepreneurs, Sabita Maharjan has been providing employment to hundreds of women with her own knitting business and also has been the best example of women’s inspiration and women empowerment. Women in rural areas need education, awareness, and skill training to increase their personal income and this economic input in the family helps to initiate women empowerment. Skill training of any handicraft product, rising agricultural productivity can be an efficient way to increase women’s income in a family.

“Spark of education creates gender equality.” Women’s rights and empowerment are associated with each other. If women’s right are established in society properly, it helps to create a natural uplifting of empowerment resulting in gender equality.

Data source: “Central Bureau Statistics Nepal”

Paper Craft | Fun With Paper

As a child, we all were craftsmen. Making all kinds of images, shapes, objects using paper, clay, fabrics etc. Psychologist can probably tell better, but I think there is an innate craftsmen in all of us, that over the age, has become dormant or have remained undeveloped in most of us. That’s the reason, when we grow up, we hardly remember how to make even a paper boat (do you still remember? lol).

Arts and Crafts thus is at the center of our being – many of us travel places just to see the immense creativity scattered all across the globe! Museums are the popular tourists hotspots. Major big cities are designed to bring out the best of artists and craftsmen of that area. We naturally appreciate arts and crafts!

I, therefore have thought of trying out my old hobby of origami. And I have found a nice website that will teach me re-cultivate the hobby – hopefully 😉 !  Origami Instructions . I will post my creations in comments one by one. 

What hobby that you had once abandoned as child want to re-take? Please share in comments!

Nepalese Pashmina

Pashmina is considered to be the softest, highly delicate and fluffy fibre. Being the most finest natural insulating fibre it is also recognized as the Diamond fibre. Pashmina is the fibre made up with the extract from the Himalayan goat also recognize as Chyangra which live in the himalayan belt at the altitude above 14,000 feet above sea level. This unique coat of hair is about 1/6 th of the diameter of any other types of hair.

With proper care, Pashminas can be used life long and we have encountered that this unique piece of fibre has been hand overed from generation to generation even in Royal and wealthy families. It is found to be most durable and cozy fibre suitable for human skin providing warmth and comfort.Pashmina is also known as Cashmere but is found to be thicker in diameter and less fine as compared to Pashmina.

Since thousands of years Cashmere and Pashmina shawls have been manufactured in Nepal  as well as in  Kashmir. The pashmina’s history was allied with ancient civilization. During those days it was considered as the Fibre for Royals & Emperors only. People living in the high Himalayas discovered the essence and wonder of Pashmina.

It takes the entire annual growth of three of these three goats to make just one pashmina shawl. But the fur combing process is done every spring without harming the goat. Thus processed pashmina is found in different forms like  shawls, blankets, sweaters, stoles, puncho, scarves as well as pullovers, cardigans, etc.

This exquisite “Pashmina” has been supplied by dexterity of Nepalese. In ancient times “Pashmina” was found in unblended form but it was advent with the combination of silk, cotton etc. In the long run with the varied experience and Pashmina yarn and silk yarn were combined. This result to produce better fibre-strength, durability, colour-pleasantness and well finishing touch which become most prevalent all over world and recognized as “Nepalese Pashmina“.

Nepal is also known for the hand woven Pashminas. This  Pashmina products has found to be third largest overseas export in the country along with readymade garment and hand knitted woolen carpet. Nepali Pashmina is a form of handicraft which can be regarded as high quality handmade woolen product with multipurpose usage. The warmth , softness, durability , lightness, finess are the beautiful byproducts of any Pashmina products. The warmth and softiness  are the basic  qualities on which the  pashmina is judged.

The production process of pashmina product generally includes weaving, dyeing, processing, fringing, tassels, embroidery, beadwork, printing etc.

The Pashminas have very high demand in International market. The business of Pashminas are basically concerntrated in Kathmandu. Export quality are produced here and among the produced approximately 5%  consumed within the country and rest 95% are considered for exportation. Pashmina products account for more than 50% of the total export figure of the handicraft products. And also it is the major export component under the handicraft goods category. The Nepali Pashminas are exported via Tribhuwan International Airport by air cargo.

Due to the high quality and veracity of Nepali Pashminas, the demand of Pashminas have exceeded in International market exceeding 40 different countries like Canada ,USA, Italy, , UK, France, Japan, Germany ,India.

Under latest technicalities with new experiments and proper market this product can be found in more and more sophisticated form providing the new prospect for this Pashmina handicraft Industry.The Pashminas have long way to go ahead.

Export Figure of Pashmina Products:

(The data is downloaded from internet below)

Source: Trade and Export Promotion Centre

Nepal- A country where a virtuous education and a proper opportunity have always been a hard-hitting challenge, people have always found it difficult to meet their hands to mouth. In such a critical situation handmade handicrafts have been a great source of income to Nepalese.

Handicraft is any of a wide variety of types of work where useful and decorative objects are made completely by hand or by using only simple tools. With the blend of spirit and mystery of Nepalese cultures and traditions, handcrafted products have their own significant norms and values.

In our country many people are illiterate or semi-literate; hence they always find several challenges in their life. They hardly get decent job. Also they lack enough money to start up with some worthy business. In such critical context, they can upgrade their life style by getting involved in handicraft sector. Also, in the patriarchal society like us, woman can start the handicraft business of their own. Many disabled, widowed, divorced, or abused woman seem to be get involved in this sector.

Nepalese handmade handicrafts have their own aesthetic value. They provide the road map and guidelines of Nepalese ethos and stories. They help to utilize labor’s intensive specialized skills along with the mobilization of indigenous raw materials and resources. They have helped to raise the income source to the people.Upon proper utilization of spare time, dedication and skill, handicraft business people can start their own business and earn quite handsome money

Even in the 21^st century, women are deprived of well education and opportunity. Their primary job is considered as child care and domestic work. They are often neglected, discriminated and deprived in society. They are bound to get discriminated at every step of their lives like at home, at office and at work. They are given less opportunity and paid less too.

Due to lack of financial condition Nepali woman have been victim of physical and mental violence in domestic aura. They are forced to get married with big age differences or forceful marriage. Many girls are compelled to opt to work as sex workers and many get involved in prostitute business just to earn their daily bread.

But THANKS to the wonderful opportunity of handicraft business that is picking up its amplitude demand in foreign market too.

The handicrafts made by Nepalese like wooden masks, bags, canvas work, wood cravings, jewelery designs, statues are adored not just in Nepali society but also have high demand in foreign countries.Due to high demand of handicrafts supplied by Nepali market, Nepalese are more attracted to get involved into this handicraft business. Also families are encouraging woman in their family to utilize their skill and their leisure time.

Similarly, many NGO/ INGO or even Government are gradually providing the job trainings of handicrafts like ecofriendly crafts, wooden decors, etc. and helping people to be independent and live their dignified lifestyle. By getting involved in this field, it help them to better life style, children will get better food, education and shelter. The way of people looking down to the woman is gradually decreased and help woman to be the important aspect of the society as the men.

In nuts shell, Nepali handicrafts have helped many people to get happy family life and show cast their talent in a proper way. Hence Handicrafts have been really a blessing for the Nepali Society.

Nepal !! A country full of colors, festivals, smiles, rejoice, happiness.

No adjectives are sufficient enough to describe our country Nepal.  Rich in natural beauty, flora and fauna, it is delightful having born in here. Not just rich in nature, but also equipped with skill of price-less art and craft. My country is definitely a source for beauty with brain.

Potters making utensils out of clay, craftsmen carving beautiful architectures in wooden logs, ladies weaving cloths in loom, making wooden decors and statues is not a unique site to see in the cities around the Kathmandu valley rather doing these creative works has been a part of their daily activities. We all consider it as a usual site to view. And this sometimes strikes in my mind that, “Are not we decreasing our own value by not recognizing these priceless gifts of art given to us by our own culture and tradition??” What I mean to say is, all these creative things which we do as regular activity could be taken for granted and these art craft one day could be vanished not even being recognized.

Having said that it dragged me to a BIG QUESTION! In today’s modern day of technology and automation is there a possibility that our craftsmanship will still survive, and our young generation will still take this art-form into them as their elders did? Or will these shiny modern ways of living will swift all it away?? What do you think ???

 Nepali Handicraft for Your Home Decoration

Don’t you feel that the products on these websites are awesome? Would you ‘desire’ to have them in your home? In your living room, in your drawing room, lounge, in your outdoors, and some even in your bathroom? I bet you do! 🙂

Crafts have always been the center of home decorative – perhaps after the photo frames all around your house. Having a craft generally, transforms the place into ‘another dimension’. A figurine, or wooden artifact, or a nice decorative wooden wall hanging – can be placed in your drawing room to make it more inviting and lively.

Nepal has been at the peak of craft making for centuries – in the early days is one of hotspot trading spot for handicrafts in the region. Since then, the tradition of making crafts by hand has evolved, improved, and excelled by local craft makers. Art & Craft is has played a central part in crafting Nepalese society!

I am sure you will definitely find something in Nepali handicrafts that will make you tickle – can you pick one?

Interesting Facts About Nepalese Wood Crafts

Nepal is known for being the home of Mt. Everest. Aside from this, this landlocked nation is also a haven of cultural treasures and artifacts. Among them are beautiful wood carvings that you can see nearly in every populated location in the country. They adorn entrances of temples, palaces, and even in very old public establishments that are centuries old. Even Nepalese homes, most of which are purely made of wood, have carvings on its facade and interiors.

This rich wood-crafting heritage shows the quality of the skill and workmanship of the Nepalese artisan. If you want to have an exquisite timber-based piece of art, you must own one of those made by the wood craft experts of Nepal, especially those from Kathmandu Valley.

The most distinct feature of Nepalese carvings is that they are typically based on Hindi or Buddhist characters or elements like deities, animals, and other religious symbols. This is because the former is the country’s dominant faith, while the latter is the second most prevalent one.

 

HandMade Crafts: A Boon To Nepalese Society

In recent years Nepal’s economy has faced turbulent times and one of the industries that have helped it to stay afloat is handicrafts industry. It cannot simply be defined as what Handmade Crafts is. In the context of Nepal, handmade crafts is more than an industry as the products that are produced aren’t just a commercial one but embodies the social, cultural, traditional and historical connotation.

It also, in the broader understanding, involves the skills, labour strength, and market resources to enhance the industry. And to take forward this sector one particular organisation has played a great role. Established in 1972 Federation of Handicraft Associations of Nepal has greatly steered it with great anticipation, keenness and vision. Its dedication and commitment have helped the sector largely to develop and make necessary improvements in the course of time. 

Now handmade crafts have proven to be a successful industry and make an exemplary contribution to the GDP of the nation. Handmade Crafts, is one of the most successful industries in Nepal as the products are of superior quality and profitable one. The creative and skilled characteristics of artisans and sculptors make it even more special and a blessing in disguise. Since the time when Federation of Handicraft Associations of Nepal was established in 1972 the industry has turned out to be one of the strongest well-established, well-organised and income-generating economic sectors as more people have joined this sector and have helped in flourishing it.

For Nepal, a least developed country in the world, handicraft business has turned out to be a winner through the sluggish and turbulent economic period. A nation where more than 20% of its population lives in abject poverty this industry has revolutionised the low-income households of the wedged nation. This industry has contributed to the Nepali society by promoting unique handicrafts worldwide, alleviating poverty and preserving the skills and craftsmanship of Nepali artisans. It cannot be, however, ignored that sans the mutual consent of overall stakeholders it wouldn’t have become a success. It should be understand that a large numbers of people have become employed because of this industry and their skills have been harnessed over the years without compromising over quality vis-à-vis quantity. As Nepal’s industry hasn’t developed fully unlike in industrialised world it can be understood that this particular industry really suits current developing state as it holds a bright future in retail industry. 

The exact contribution to the Nepali society by this industry is that it has helped people earn and in the same time sharpen their artistic skill and also pass it to the next generation. Moreover, the way it represents Nepali society among locals and foreigners is noteworthy as not only art and craft is transmitted to others but also preserved. The channel of transmitting the art and the meaning it holds is wonderful. When a customer buys one of the products then h/she is introduced to a whole new world and gets enough encouragement to study more about the product. Also, we’ve many people working in the industry who are earning well to meet basic needs. It is for sure that Handmade Crafts is one of the most successful and stable industry and the trend continue to be so.

Nepal is known for being the home of Mt. Everest. Aside from this, this landlocked nation is also a haven of cultural treasures and artifacts. Among them are beautiful wood carvings that you can see nearly in every populated location in the country. They adorn entrances of temples, palaces, and even in very old public establishments that are centuries old. Even Nepalese homes, most of which are purely made of wood, have carvings on its facade and interiors.

This rich wood-crafting heritage shows the quality of the skill and workmanship of the Nepalese artisan. If you want to have an exquisite timber-based piece of art, you must own one of those made by the wood craft experts of Nepal, especially those from Kathmandu Valley.

The most distinct feature of Nepalese carvings is that they are typically based on Hindi or Buddhist characters or elements like deities, animals, and other religious symbols. This is because the former is the country’s dominant faith, while the latter is the second most prevalent one.