Feminization of Internal Migration in Nepal: Emerging Trends and Policy Challenges

Bidhya Shrestha, Central Department of Population Studies, Tribhuvan University
Yogendra B Gurung, Central Department of Population Studies, Tribhuvan University

Nepal has seen a significant rise in female internal migration, challenging the historical male-dominated pattern. This shift, termed the feminization of internal migration, highlights the need for transformational policy changes. This study, part of a thematic report on internal migration, uses data from Nepal’s 1981-2021 census to examine female in-migration trends in terms of age-sex composition and migration duration. The sex ratio shows a consistent decline in male migrants across all regions (mountain, hill, and Tarai), indicating growing female in-migration, mostly aged 20-29 years. In 2021, about 50% of female migrants reported more than 5 years as a duration of migration whereas it was almost half for males. In 2021, 40% of female migration was for marriage, whereas it was 30% in 1981. This indicates that with economic and social changes, more women become mobile for other reasons. Previously this issue was absent from the policy as well as in research agenda, now more women are migrating either as dependent family members or as independently. Therefore, an alternative explanation is required to recognize their issues and challenges. Future policies should aim to empower women migrants, address the vulnerabilities they face and ensure that their contributions to both family and economy.

Keywords: Internal Migration and Urbanization, Gender Dynamics, Census data, Population Policies

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