Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
In Nepal, intersecting challenges such as early marriage, unequal domestic burdens, and the rapid shift to a digital economy have marginalized women and girls from mainstream education. UNESCO’s Capacity Development for Education (CapEd) programme, in partnership with Community Learning Centers (CLCs) and the Government of Nepal, works to promote inclusive and lifelong learning opportunities.
One beneficiary, 19-year-old Ashika, left formal education due to early marriage and is now pursuing Grade 10 through non-formal education at the Shikharapur Open School. Initially using her smartphone only for social media, Ashika transformed it into a learning tool after receiving technology training at a local CLC. This digital approach enables her to study while managing her home responsibilities by listening to educational videos and using online dictionaries independently.
Similarly, in Nepal’s Saptari district, Suman Chaudhary, who previously struggled with digital payments due to limited smartphone skills, gained digital literacy through hands-on training at the Laxmi CLC. This training has enabled her to navigate mobile and computer applications confidently, fostering economic independence and inclusion in the digital economy.
These community-based digital literacy and education programmes are working to bridge critical gaps in access, empowering women and girls in Nepal to advance their education and digital skills.