Abstract: This research paper explores the complex interplay between marriage and gender inequality among Nepali women, spotlighting how empowerment can redefine their societal roles and enhance their quality of life. In Nepal, traditional marriage practices are often deeply entrenched in rigid gender roles, which significantly limit women's rights and opportunities. This dynamic is vividly illustrated in Arpan Sharma's “The Lives We Leave Behind”, where the protagonist navigates the constraints of societal expectations and the quest for personal autonomy, reflecting the struggles faced by many women within this cultural context. Similarly, Khaled Hosseini's “The Kite Runner” illuminates the gender disparities present in Afghan society, where cultural and patriarchal forces shape the lives of female characters like Hassan’s mother and Soraya. By examining the roles of education, community support and economic independence, this study delineates the various challenges Nepali and Afghani women face in their pursuit of equality and their persistent efforts to surmount these barriers. Throughout the narrative, both Arpan Sharma’s and Khaled Hosseini’s characters engage in transformative journeys that underscore the necessity of educational opportunities and economic empowerment, highlighting how these elements can serve as catalysts for social change. The argument posits that empowering women through increased access to education and financial resources is not merely beneficial but essential for fostering gender equality and transforming perceptions about marriage and women's roles within society. As Nepal and Afghanistan navigates the delicate balance between long-standing traditions and burgeoning modern influences, this research paper provides invaluable insights into the factors steering change in marriage practices, underlining the critical importance of education, economic autonomy and robust social support networks as echoed in both Arpan Sharma's and Khaled Hosseini's narratives.
Keywords: Marriage practices, Modernization, Gender equality, Women Empowerment.
Title: Exploring Marriage, Gender Inequality, and Empowerment among Nepali and Afghani Women: A Comparative Analysis of “The Lives We Leave Behind” with “The Kite Runner”
Author: Subhanshi Sharma, Dr. Rakesh Kumar
International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research
ISSN 2348-3156 (Print), ISSN 2348-3164 (online)
Vol. 13, Issue 2, April 2025 - June 2025
Page No: 261-265
Research Publish Journals
Website: www.researchpublish.com
Published Date: 10-May-2025
