Summary of publication

A gender audit was carried out to assess the extent to which the education system in Nepal is making progress on gender equality. The three main objectives were to review key gender issues in schools, assess the School Sector Reform Program (SSRP) and related plans and processes, and analyse institutional gender issues affecting the education system.

This report will feed into the medium-term review of the SSRP. The audit design was aimed at ensuring the validity of data and rigour in analysis. The consultants collected and analysed primary and secondary data from relevant sources at the national, district and school levels. Approximately 80 stakeholders were interviewed and documents and reports were analysed.

Positives to come out of the gender audit include:

• the national average gender parity index looks encouraging
• repetition rates and retention data show positive trends from a gender point of view
• textbooks used in Nepal's schools are on the whole free from gender bias and avoid negative gender stereotypes
• the expanded girls' scholarship scheme and the construction of more school toilets are both progressing well
• at the grass-roots, there is innovative and inspiring good practice in evidence, which encourages parents to send their daughters to school and support them in their learning.

Priority recommendations for the Ministry of Education and Department of Education for the short-term relate to supporting and protecting girls at school, improving women's participation in the sector, planning and strengthening existing structures. Recommendations for the medium term include collecting and using information, improving capacity and accountability, and improving women's participation in the sector.

Full publication

Background paper–Gender Audit of Nepal's School Sector Reform Program 2012 [Word 1.4 MB]