Understanding the Gap Between Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Policy and Implementation in the Energy Sector: The Case of Nepal (2023)

Progress toward integrating gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) objectives in Nepal’s energy sector has been slow, despite constitutional commitments to gender equality and non-discrimination. Focusing on institutional and policy processes, this paper finds that GESI implementation is hindered by limited human resources, a narrow conceptual framing, and delays in policy development and implementation across federal, provincial, and local levels. To support GESI policy implementation, the authors emphasize the need to strengthen bureaucratic and local-level ownership of the concept and an understanding about its relevance for sustainable development.