Changing Livelihood of Tibetan Women Migrants in Nepal: How Does Gender Values Matter?

Abstract

This paper employs a feminist approach to examine Tibetan women migrants residing in Nepal. While most Tibetan studies in Nepal adopt a political perspective, this study explores the multidimensional construction of gender in terms of livelihood, identity, and cross-cultural exposure among Tibetan women migrants. The research was conducted in the purposively selected Choejor Bouddha Tibetan settlement in Kathmandu, Nepal. Utilizing a post-positivist approach, the study primarily employed quantitative methods through a rapid questionnaire survey, supplemented by five key informant interviews as a qualitative tool. This paper highlights local perceptions and practices regarding the construction of Tibetan women migrants' livelihoods in Nepal. It concludes that the livelihood of Tibetan migrants in Nepal should be viewed through a feminist lens as it is ‘gendered’ in nature to better understand their identity, struggle, and socio-economic life.