Moving forward in addressing women’s participation challenges: a case study of buffer zone community forestry governance in Nepal

Introduction Women’s involvement in community-based conservation is critical for sustainable resource management, but social norms and systemic structure continue to hinder their participation in conservation projects and decision-making. This exploratory study looks into the constraints and opportunities for Indigenous women’s participation in Buffer Zone Community Forestry (BZCF) around Chitwan National Park (CNP) in Nepal.Methods and materials Using a qualitative case study approach and eight in-depth face-to-face interviews with CNP staff and community forest committee leaders, this study investigates the structural and social elements that influence women’s participation.Results While men perceive advances in women’s engagement, the interviews reveal continuing impediments, such as deeply set social norms, time constraints, and lacking confidence, that prevent adequate inclusion. The portrayal of conservation as a physically demanding and dangerous field strengthens its relationship with masculinity, limiting women’s responsibilities to administrative or livelihood chores rather than leadership and decision-making positions.Conclusion The study suggests CNP shifting the emphasis from financial incentives to intrinsic motivation—based on women’s cultural and spiritual links to the land. Furthermore, challenging gendered language, providing leadership training, and incorporating gender-sensitive policies within BZCF governance structures are key steps towards equitable participation. This preliminary case study emphasizes the need for expanding future research into comparative assessments among BZCFs, the quality versus quantity of women’s participation, and leveraging Indigenous and women connection with forest and land. Addressing these gaps would help to make community forestry efforts more inclusive, and effective.