LAUSR

This study examines the changes in women’s decision-making roles due to the foreign labor migration of men from Nepal. Using a mixed-method strategy, based on qualitative analysis from fieldwork in four districts of Nepal and quantitative analysis from Nepal Demographic and Health Survey 2011, the study finds that women who take on the role of household heads make more decisions, while those living under the headship of other members experience a decline in their decision-making power. However, even for household heads, most gains in decision-making come from making smaller, non-strategic decisions. Strategic decisions, especially those related to children’s well-being and allocation of financial resources, are mostly made by men. Women’s ability to be empowered through increased decision-making is limited by their position in the family, their financial dependence on men, and norms restricting women’s access to resources.