Pokhara, Nepal – 20 May 2025 Pokhara University took a leading role in the online workshop and reaffirmed its commitment to gender equity in education during the third virtual workshop on “Curriculum and Pedagogy for Gender Sensitivity”.
Pokhara University under capacity building (higher education) Erasmus+ MAGENDA Project, hosted on 20 May 2025. The event was part of a larger initiative led by the European Union in collaboration with ten partner universities from Nepal, Bangladesh, and Europe.
The event was inaugurated by Associate Prof. Dr. Namraj Dhami, Project Coordinator of MAGENDA, who emphasized the strategic importance of embedding gender-inclusive pedagogy in institutional governance. Coordinated by Bangladesh Open University (BOU), the event featured a keynote address by Dr. Deepmala Shrestha, faculty at Pokhara University. Presenting the Gender-Inclusive Pedagogical (GIP) framework, she highlighted, “While gender elements are embedded in our curriculum, limited awareness and implementation continue to hinder transformative change.” She made these comments in response to Dr. Md. Mizanoor Rahman’s observation that “Bangladesh has made notable progress in this regard due to its gender-sensitive budgeting.” Academic discourse was further enriched by contributions from Prof. Rishikesh Pandey of Pokhara University who moderated the event with skill and insight. During the discussion, he responded to Professor Gambhir Chand by noting, “Nepalese higher education institutions already have programs addressing gender and development issues.” Professor Dr. Mohammad Mizanul Haque Kazal from Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Bangladesh, highlighted the need for effective strategies in implementing Gender Equality Plans (GEPs). In her concluding remarks, Professor Dr. Sabina, Project Manager of MAGENDA at BOU, stated, “The experiences shared by partner universities from Bangladesh and Nepal will be valuable in shaping the Gender Equality Plan for Asia.” Professor Dr. Md. Serajul Islam, Director of the Institutional Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), BOU, and a MAGENDA researcher, also attended the workshop. This event aligns with MAGENDA’s overarching goal of fostering sustainable gender equality in academia throughout Asia.The event highlighted key achievements in Nepal’s education sector, including increased female representation in school leadership and improved access through targeted scholarships.
However, persistent challenges—such as gender bias in textbooks and limited rural teacher training—remain. Dr. Namraj Dhami along with the Nepal MAGENDA team, Dr. Rishikesh Pandey, Dr. Madhu Sudan Kayastha, Mr. Buddhi Raj Joshi, Dr. Deepmala Shrestha, Dr. Parbati Thapa, and administrative staff Ms. Sarala Bhatta unified efforts aim to dismantle systemic barriers and stereotypes in education through targeted curriculum reforms, teacher training, and policy advocacy. With the support of the European Union, Pokhara University continues to be a trailblazer in promoting inclusive, equitable education for all.
