The highly militant labor sector in Nepal has gravitated towards extreme methods. Confrontation rather than cooperation has frayed the already fragile relationship between management and
labor. These have resulted in closures of small businesses and relocation of businesses, as in the case of large firms.
The forum, organized by the Women Entrepreneurship Development Committee (WED) of the Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), aimed to understand the
problem of labor and layout an appropriate action plan to deal with the situation on a long-term basis. To get a full grasp of the problem of “labor militancy”, the forum reviewed labor policies
and practices and heard out women’s woes and concerns as well as the sad experiences of the industrialists and large firm owners.
FNCCI, established in 1965, is an organization of Nepalese private sector businesses. It plays an important role in promoting business, industrial growth and economic development. The FNCCI-
WED Committee has established presence at district and municipality levels to help increase women’s participation in industrial and business activities in Nepal. Among its initiatives are
organized trainings, interaction programs, workshops and seminars, with the view to mainstreaming gender issues and concerns in business planning and decision-making as well as
build the capacity of business owners to achieve greater productivity and competitiveness.
The forum resource person, Hans Raj Pandey, deputy director of FNCCI and head of Nepal Employers’ Council, expounded on the applicable labor laws that could be invoked to defuse an
explosive, worsening labor situation in the growth centers and urban areas of the country. He said that “small business owners can seek refuge under these laws when their rights are
threatened. Under a democratic regime, every one has assurance of equal protection under the law.”
WINNER-Nepal has trained women entrepreneurs on the use of modern business tools, Internet and e-commerce. Majority of these beneficiaries of training courses are small business owners
engaged in handicrafts. To save on operating expenses, time and labor costs, the use of virtual marketing via the Internet has been put to practical use to reach buyers and access new markets.
Women in Nepal comprise 40 percent of the labor force, according to estimates of the World Bank. Agriculture is the mainstay of the economy, providing livelihood to 80 percent of the
population of over 30 million and accounting for 41 percent of the country’s GDP.
Source: WINNER-Nepal
NEWS