Women’s representation in civil service rises sharply, health sector sees female majority

KATHMANDU, May 28: Women’s participation in Nepal’s civil service has witnessed a marked rise over the past 17 years, climbing from just 12 percent to 30 percent, according to the Economic Survey published by the Ministry of Finance on Wednesday.

The survey also reveals a significant milestone in the health sector, where women have now outnumbered men. Of the total workforce under the Nepal Health Service, 54.7 percent are women, compared to 45.3 percent men, with 4,518 employees currently serving across the country.

As per the Department of National Personnel Records, women’s representation in the civil service reached 29.2 percent by mid-March 2025, reflecting a sharp jump from 20.2 percent within a year—marking the highest level recorded to date.

Despite this progress, gender imbalance persists in key state institutions. Women’s representation in constitutional bodies remains low at just 10.4 percent.

The survey further states that by mid-March of fiscal year 2025/26, Organisation and Management (O&M) surveys had identified 50,768 positions across various services, groups and categories within federal government agencies.

The number of approved positions stood at 51,405 by mid-July 2025, indicating a slight contraction in federal staffing levels in recent years.

According to data from the Department of National Personnel Records, 46.8 percent of employees were working under the federal government, 16.2 percent under provincial governments, and 37 percent at the local level by mid-March 2025.

A public service satisfaction survey conducted during fiscal year 2024/25 across 21 federal offices in eight districts found that 15 offices received satisfactory ratings for service delivery.

Meanwhile, 1,147 individuals entered the civil service by mid-March of the current fiscal year after passing various Public Service Commission (PSC) examinations, of whom 484 were selected under inclusive quotas.

Similarly, out of 2,592 recruits in fiscal year 2024/25, 1,056 were appointed through inclusive quotas—accounting for 40.7 percent—while 1,340 (59.3 percent) entered through open competition.

The survey notes that the inclusive quota system in PSC examinations has been in place since fiscal year 2007/08. Since then, a total of 26,274 individuals have entered the civil service through various inclusive categories up to fiscal year 2024/25.