The new constitution aims to recognize the role of women in Nepal’s transition from fragile state to a developing economy. For several weeks now, Nepal has seen violent clashes between protestors and government forces over the proposed new constitution that would divide the country into federal states. Some ethnic minority groups argue that they will have less autonomy and experience discrimination in the proposed federal system. Nevertheless this new constitution promises freedom from discrimination for the excluded people, including women. Women are among most vulnerable groups in Nepal, with little economic and political opportunities. Traditional beliefs and practices, trafficking, and other social stigmas hamper their personal growth, undermining their contribution to state- and peace building. This is exacerbated by the caste system as well as ethnic/linguistic diversity in a country where people belong to 125 caste and ethnic groups, and speak 123 languages.

— blogs.adb.org/blog