Shifting Gender Roles in the wake of Male-out Migration in a Village of Western Nepal

This study delves into the effects of male out-migration on gender roles and relationships in a rural village of western Nepal.The study, carried out in two stages in 2011 to 2022, uncovers a complex relationship between remittances, the burden of work on women, and economic prospects.This study shows that while the absence of males increases the obligations of spouses, the remittance alleviate women's workload.Economic empowerment arises as a significant result, enabling women in nuclear families to own and control economic assets that are traditionally owned and controlled by the husband.The study observes a rise in female-headed households, female leadership and economic participation but acknowledges persistent gender division of labour within households.The changes brought about by male out migration also leads to migration of women to urban and semi-urban areas with both liberating and challenging experiences.