Barack Obama IS a different man. Watching his inauguration yesterday was proof enough. Its not about him. Its about the feelings he has stirred in people, the emotions he has caused even the most emotionless to have, the tears of not sadness but the possibility of the ease of sadness, the joy and celebration not only for the end of a ruthless Bush regime but for the beginning of the chance to dream.

 Obama as an individual is just an ordinary man, with an extraordinary gift, but more than anything he is sincere and the sincerity shines through him and what he says and it shines through the faces of his humble family.

 I have no idea if he can fulfill all the hopes and possibilities that he has created in the world today, but I am sure he will try his best, and that’s good enough in a world in which leaders dont even try to lead. Obama is not a hero, but he is as close to a great leader simply for what he has achieved so far. For when it comes to his campaign and his victory, even on inauguration day Obama has achieved more than any other modern day leader has achieved and he has proven that one man CAN make a difference.

Whatever he may or may not do, one thing is certain, he will try and bring out the best in people, for him peace will come before war and family before fortune. He has come with a belief that he can make a difference and this belief will be enough to shine through his actions. He may not change the world, nor heal it, nor end all suffering, but he has already brought so much hope to  hopeless hearts and smiles on faces weighed down by grief and caused people busy with their lives to stop and listen and think beyond themselves.

 This is what our generation has been waiting for, this is the type of leader we all dream of following, but his actions will not be fulfilled untill we the people act ourselves.

 The American people have proven their cause, now its time for the rest of us around the world to hope for something bigger and better, to hope that for us too ….one day…change will come…one person at a time…

While the country is busy with the preparations of the Constituent Assembly Elections, which finally seems to be materializing after being postponed twice, here is something quite unrelated to it. Many a times I wonder if we have been too carried away by the political agendas of the country, maintaining a blind eye to any other issue. It’s a matter of debate if it is actually a economic revolution this country needs rather than a political upheaval every once in a while…Leaving the question for you to ponder on, here is Shristi Khadka’s take on whether Nepal made a right choice by adopting free trade or not.

Did Nepal made a wrong choice by embracing the policy of free trade as a strategy for trade integration and economic development?

by Shristi Khadka

Democracy has been regarded as the best practice by almost all countries of the world and democracy also incorporates economic democracy. Therefore restricting people to consume or produce any goods or services provided they are not harmful to an individual or society is against democratic norm. On the other globalisation makes it almost impossible to impose strict restrictions on the free flow of goods, services and human beings. The advancement of science and technology has even accelerated the pace of flow breaking the national boundaries. Hence, free trade is the demand of time but not an end in itself for economic development. It will surely provide a larger market for goods, services and works but only if they are competitive.

Although, Nepal formally adopted the concept of free trade after the restoration of democracy in 1990 the Structural Adjustment Policy (SAP) introduced by the World Bank in 1985 can be traced as the first step being taken by the country for introducing free trade. Then after there was no looking back and Nepal fully adopted the concept of free trade by entering into various bi-lateral (like Indo-Nepal Trade Treaty), regional (like SAFTA) and multilateral treaties (like WTO).

The main drawback of embracing free trade as a strategy for trade integration and economic development is the loss in government revenue as it leads to reduction in tariff rates. However, it is equally important to understand the fact that free trade is not a “one way traffic”. As we are opening our markets to other countries others will also do the same. Besides, Nepal has been a country who imports more than it exports, thus reduction in import tariff will surely lead to reduction of prices for the consumers or the citizens. Free trade is preferred over protectionism also because import substitution has been proved to be an uneconomic strategy. For example, it is better to import Chinese clothes, electronics and other goods if it is easily affordable by the poor then to manufacture them at higher cost which ultimately will be unaffordable by the poor (other factors like environment and human rights are not considered).

Although Nepal is an agricultural country it imports food, therefore, unlike the fact that most developing countries loose from the trade-distorting domestic farm support of the developed countries Nepal profits from it. Besides, the decisions to exempt LDCs from commitments to liberalise agriculture by reducing export subsidies and government support has given an opportunity for Nepal to enhance its agricultural output. However, a lot needs to be done at every stage like production, storage, processing, labeling and packaging of the agricultural product if they are to be made globally competitive. As, the world is becoming very concerned with the environmental and consumers’ rights issue there are higher chances of disqualifying Nepalese exports under SPS and TBT Agreements of the WTO. Hence, Nepalese producers have to conduct good research and the country needs well equipped laboratories and skilled manpower for checking and controlling the products before exporting them.

Cartoon by Abin, published in the latest edition( Vol 1, No 1, 2064) of “Byapar Ra Bikas” (Trade and Development) by SAWTEE

Nepal can expect increased flow of foreign investment, technology transfer, increase in employment level and ultimately increase in the per capita income. While anticipating these benefits we should also analyse this with social, political, environmental and other aspects. Because if we fail to ensure our national interest or ignore the poor and marginalised sections of the society it will again lead to problems like loss of national integrity, culture, social disharmony, increased gap between the rich and poor, exploitation of natural resources and so on.

Free trade will be beneficial to those who can fare well in the competitive global market and there is no denying that the greatest beneficiaries will be the developed countries as they can dominate, both the agreements and the markets, with power vested in them be it political, economic, technological or informational. It is a well known fact that Nepal does not have much power to influence at international level, but will surely be influenced by the rules and principles made at various agreements. Similarly Nepal does not benefit much from the regional bargaining as there is huge diversity in their economic interests and level of development among the South Asian countries. For example India being a food exporter is lobbying against trade-distorting subsidies which if achieved will not benefit Nepal as mentioned above.

Thus, there are many challenges for Nepal in the free trade regime at every level be it global or regional, however free trade is more of a fact than a choice in today’s globalised world. Hence it is better to fight the challenge and extract benefits rather than make the situation worse by simply ignoring the abstract move of globalisation. The first thing to do if Nepal really wants to benefit from free trade is by creating a sense of national ownership among all the stakeholders like parliamentarians, local farmers, businessmen, journalists and all others. We thus need a lot of preparation at the national level to identify our interests, comparative advantages and then only lobby, demand and negotiate accordingly. Secondly, it is equally important to add value to our product so that they can compete and capture the global market ultimately creating their own demand.

Adventure when understood in a general perspective is about some risky activity. It is general notion that women are beyond their capacity to meet the demands of adventure. It is always outstanding and noticeable when women do some adventurous activities. I understand adventure as living in the edge notion which was once told to me by one of the person involved in the field of adventure. He has profound experience in Kayaking which can be proved by his expedition with one of his friend from Trisuli to the Bay of Bengal the only one of its kind. Regardless, there are still many women indulged in this field. One recent example can be stated with the preparation of few women from different ethnic groups to summit Everest in the coming season of 2008 and I wish them all the best for sure. 

I too have some inclination towards these adventurous activities and my hobby to swim, exercise and to experience thrill have added some knots to support me to cling on it. I wonder if I have fear of height but I am going to put that fear to rest soon. No worries!!! My educational background which is moreover towards development sector does not permit me get into full fledged adventure, but my personal interest swerve me to get into it at least to possible and desired extent of mine. And how could we undermine tourism sector as this contributes a lot in the country’s economy.

It is to be fully agreed that every sector has special network and dependency to the other sector varying from less to more. One of my friends involved in the field of adventure, and member of the same Youth Organization as I am in, said to me once “I am in this organization so that I can share my experience with Nepalese youth about adventure. It is distressful to say that only some of the people in this field know about adventure while most of the people have concept that adventure is for Foreigners only.” This shows up his passion to do best in his sector and give his best contribution in the sector he is related to. Bravo!!!!!!

It was being part of that Youth organization that I had some outlet towards this adventure. The outdoor training sessions along with blanket of million stars in the beach at night made my inclination much stronger. Trust me, it was the first time, I swam across Trisuli with life jacket and helmet on. The rafting and splashes of water over the face with thrill and enthusiasm and jumping in the calm water to chill out is something you never forget. The turn over of Kayak as beginner thrills you and for a while it makes you panic but remember “don’t panic, company has send good safety kayakers hehe..” this is what makes you feel good and safe.

Rock climbing and my muscle cramp- (gosh!!!”) have become synonyms for me. As I think of rock climbing,” muscle cramp” passes sway as swift as possible. It was fun cum thrill. That was just the beginning .Many rocks are to be climbed in the days to come either the rocks which are the source for the soil or the rocks that are on the way to my success in life.

There are many adventures on the way and to make the difference, it is essential to face it with excitement and courage rather than escaping from it.

All the best!!!!

Sri Lankan Peace in Pieces
by Hayah

On the occasion of the Diamond Jubilee, they hoisted the national flag, we all got up to sing the national anthem, and religious dignitaries recited their respective prayers. Then began the speeches. The ‘On behalf of’ messages of President, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka. They held words about the significant achievements of the nation in the past 60 years of independence from British colonial rule, the brilliant figures of literacy, life expectancy rates, the amazing economic growth. They spoke of pluralism of the nation as being an example for South Asia and the world and democracy and rule of law that was implemented so well. I couldn’t help feeling the pride for my country that I felt in my heart was for some reason overshadowed by the reality that I knew existed.

AHRC (Asian Human Rights Commission) sends my organization emails everyday based on human rights violations in Sri Lanka and other parts of Asia. Women being raped, Tamil children denied education, Sinhalese couples accused and imprisoned wrongly, false allegations by police, police aiding with criminals….and the list goes on. CNN and Al Jazeera has been airing news about bomb after bomb in Sri Lanka. The leaders said that there is a war in the North and East of the country. What bull! There is a war at peoples door step. In the North, the West, the South, the East. From Jaffna, to Colombo there is a war.

A bomb exploding everyday is the expectation. The norm. Wives don’t know if their husbands will return home, mothers don’t know if their children will get stuck in a mile long security check. The prices of day to day essentials are sky high. If inflation and insecurity if what you call “socio-economic progress” then the entire country is shrouded in a veil of falsehood. If what Sri Lanka has today is “democracy” where those in power control over 80% of the economy then maybe colonial rule was more equitable.

So what reason is there to celebrate this Diamond Jubilee? Is Sri Lanka truly free today? Are the Sri Lankan people awake to the reality of their nation?

All I could hope for is maybe Sri Lanka too will see an uprising. Maybe the tides will turn. Maybe the Sri Lankan people will stand up to claim their nation again. Maybe this jewel of a nation will revive as the diamond of the Indian Ocean

…and the tear drop shall turn into a pearl once again ….

The sun sets beyond the mountains

An International Airlines Approaching the Tribhuwan International Airport ( View from the terrace)

A peek into the evening skies

Flying across the red skies

Lighted cloud!

The brush stroke of the Creator….

Pictures by Dikshya. The (amateur) photographer also blogs at this address www.afighter.wordpress.com

 A notice For all the Amateur Women Photographers interested in putting up their pictures in Photoblogs here:

Women Bloggers of South Asia ( WBSA) gladly welcomes them to mail their pictures at sawomenbloggers@gmail.com A new category Through the Eyes of A Woman, has been created for this purpose . Please feel free to send in your pictures.

 By Radience

Today in the college we were discussing about so many things. The discussion started with the dream where I saw Prashant Tamang and one of my friends and I was telling about the dream. She told me that the Sony TV plays the new video of Prashant Tamang very less as compared to earlier Indian Idols and we were talking about the chaos that took place in Silgudi. I am not aware of the chaos but my friend was saying that how some people of Silgudi were jealous or simply say they could not digest that Prashant Tamang is an Indian Idol. But that is a fact. If you have a provision of selecting an Indian Idol with the help of sms then obviously then one who gets maximum vote will win. One cannot go on protesting that someone is not suitable for the title. I think they should protest about the process of ’sms’ing.

Then we started discussing what we thought about the separation of Terai from the rest of Nepal. Is that ok that Terai becomes a separate state. We said that we (pahades and others) are dependent on Terai for our food and how the so called Madhesh people are widespread in Kathmandu and other hilly areas and if Madhesh becomes a separate state, both the parties will be in lose-lose situation. This has to be understood by all Nepalese and we have to work united. Then we were talking about the politics and how these political parties’ leaders are just doing nothing. They have been talking about constituent assembly every single day from I don’t know months ago but have not been able to come with any decision. Almost everyday they come with varieties of decision and I get shocked to see that people who have the power of ‘operating’ the state don’t have any focus. They say that they want to leave the decision to people but they are not ready to go for referendum about the monarchy system. I think if we students talked about it the whole day then I think we will at least come with a clear vision as to whether we want constituent assembly or not the next day. It is actually ridiculous that so called political parties who have been practicing politics have not been able to think clearly about the constituent assembly whether they want it or not. The so called ‘intellectuals’ are still vague about that, and don’t know what they want to do. They are acting as if they have no responsibility to the people. I know this sucks but for a layman like me there is nothing to do but just pour my own thoughts.

Then we were talking about India how people are so passionate to progress their country and how they are working united. Yesterday I saw this music video of ‘Lead India’. The video was so influencing and so inspiring that I was just awestruck. A small boy despite all rain tries to remove the wood log that lies ahead. There was a traffic jam because of the log and no one was doing anything. The boy tries to remove it but it is impossible, then other children of the locality come and then two-three young guys and girls who were previously in the bus waiting in the jam see this and come out of the bus and then there are other men also who come out and remove the log together. It was a very very good video trying to give a message. Then there is a My India reports program in channel [V] where a few guys and girls are travelling different states of India and reporting about these places. They are simply trying to know what people from different states think about certain things. They are just doing conversation but it is so inspiring to see how young people are ready to travel to the different states. I wouldn’t say program is very very good as they are limited to accessible places (that’s what I think as I haven’t seen them going to any village of India).But at least they are trying to show the good things that some organisations are doing or some good policies the state has for example no smoking in the public zone policy in Chandigarh. In discos they were young people dancing and enjoying but they were not smoking.

These are just an initial few steps that India has taken and I could see how passionate people are about their country and want to give positive messages. Comparing this to our Nepalese context, Nepal needs to learn many many things and change attitudes and behaviors. It is definitely easy to say but Nepalese people lack the passion and energy to work united. I think there are a very very few people who do their jobs passionately and think that they are doing for their country.

One must be wondering that ya ya all this time Nepalese youth only speak and write but I am really ‘loudly’ thinking (as zaded says) of going to different parts of Nepal and want to know how they perceive different issues of our country from political, economic, social to cultural. I know this is a very hifi and costly thing to do. . There are so many ‘exraneous’ factors (as Hayah puts it) . But let’s see what happens.

Radience is a final year Development Studies student in Nepal. Read more of her entries in her blog Alive and Kickin

By Hayah 

Women in Nepalese society find themselves in queer circumstances. On one hand women are revered and worshipped as Goddesses, on the other hand they are exploited as subordinates. A woman’s life is only considered of value if she is ‘the daughter of’ ‘sister of’ and ‘wife of’ a male member of her family. The situation worsens when a woman becomes a widow. She is unable to return to her maternal home, because society tends to look down upon women who do so and she is no longer welcome in her marital home either. A widow is portrayed as having ‘ill luck’ and an obstacle in the way of her in-laws in getting her share of the property (if any at all).

The practice of child marriage is still persistant in many parts of rural Nepal. If a young woman has left her education to get married, then when she is widowed she neither has the required knowledge or skill to sustain a livlihood. Conflict has added to the existant backdrop of patriarcy and reinforced the subordination of all women. Conflict has provided the excuse for women, especially those without male support, to be harassed, abused and even raped without repercussions.  Conflict has fueled a internal migration of people into much of the urban areas of Nepal, like Kathmandu city. These women who either come alone, or with their children seeking a better livelihood are quickly pushed into the murky corners of city life. Unable to sustain basic necessities such as food, clothing and housing, they resolve to working in the informal sector more out of the lack of choice for employment and due to inadequate education and skills. Informal employment includes low paid daily wage labourers, workers in cabin restaraunts and dance bars and as sex workers. There have been emerging reports in popular development magazines that many of the sex workers in Kathmandu are women who have lost their husbands. These women are ready to do anything just to survive. Some women work as laborers during the day and are forced to do prostitution by night, mostly doing sexual favors for bus drivers for as little as Rs 10. In dance bars and cabin restaraunts, women are highly vulnerable to harassment, abuse and rape.  There is a culture of silence surrounding rape in Nepalese society, and women who work in “unethical” places are blamed entirely for such incidents. Single women especially have no urge to disclose abuse or rape. The judicial and legal system is unfriendly towards women who choose to report incidents and the laws pertaining to sexual abuse of all forms, has a long road to being condusive towards women victims. Widows choosing to stay in their marital homes too have little protection. There have been many cases of widows being sexually assulted and abused by their own family members mostly brother-in laws and father in-laws. Due to silence and shame surrounding such events, in many instances she chooses to bear up and remain passive. The situation is very different if she has her own share of property or was financially independent.Women tend to have more say over decisions made on her behalf, whatever they might be. It is for this reason that families are highly reluctant to provide a widow her share of her husbands property (if any). Some of the conservative traditional and religious practices also tend to add to the injustices towards women. Changes are happening in some pockets of social life, brought about by human rights NGO’s and women’s groups. However, it is too slow for the many women who are exploited daily, while earning a living and within their homes.

Unless vulnerable women are given more livlihood opprtunities like education and skill training and protective social security schemes, they will fall prey to ‘easy money’ promises in the informal employment sector. Unless laws pertaining to all forms of harassment, assult and abuse are strictly implemented and the legal system can be reformed as being more victim friendly, the silence will continue. The silence will rob many women of their right to a normal life, of being able to earn a decent living and return home without fear. Till then each incident of abuse, harassment and rape that occurs will be another dark mark on individual, community, country and world that remained silent as well.

Hayah is a Sri lankan born Development Studies student in Nepal, also working for an NGO called Women for Human Rights, single women group (WHR). The NGO is dedicated towards the issues of widows rights and envisions a just and equitable society towards widows and all women.

Women Bloggers of South Asia is a venture by 3 college students to expand collective blogging to other South Asian women bloggers. There is a grave lack of exposure for South Asian women or women based in South Asia and the issues pertaining to the region have been expressed by those outside the region than those within. This space therefore is to ‘bring out the voices of women women writers and bloggers of the region’ so to speak. It is a view of the region from within and through women’s eyes.

This blog will a platform for women bloggers to write articles as guests or regular authors on the various issues in South Asia. There will also be a collection of blogs by women bloggers of South Asia in one forum and therefore seek to network and reinforce the support for women bloggers.

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