Gender Inequality in Higher Education: A Study of Bagmati Municipality, Sarlahi District in Nepal

Gender disparity in higher education is primarily rooted in unequal access to power, which is often a result of limited education and low income. An uneducated woman is less able to advocate for herself or her children, continuing cycles of inequality. This study explores gender inequality in higher education through a case study of Bagmati Municipality in the Sarlahi District of Nepal. Primary data were collected from all 12 wards, while secondary information was gathered from books, articles, census data, and reports from national and international organizations. Of the 876 individuals surveyed, 370 were female, and 506 were male. A survey research design was employed, incorporating both purposive and stratified random sampling methods, with Likert scales used to assess attitudes. The findings reveal a significant gender gap in access to higher education. Addressing this gap requires targeted efforts to dismantle the structural roots of inequality. Achieving gender equality is essential for sustainable development and the empowerment of all individuals, particularly women.