Between 1996 and 2006, armed conflict between the Maoist Party of Nepal and state security forces
ravaged many parts of Nepal. The conflict led to almost 13,000 deaths, with 25,000 displaced and
many more disappeared (Babcock, 2013), and caused a significant increase in the numbers of
orphans, widows and physically handicapped people. Women were deeply affected by the conflict and,
as with many other conflicts, its origin and course had notable gender dimensions, such as the use of
gender violence, the large number of women combatants in the Maoist ranks, and the fact that the
negotiations led to a peace agreement that largely excluded women (Arino, 2008). Further, the conflict
affected the allocation of resources and there was massive increase in the administrative and
programme costs in each district. Investment in basic services like health, education and drinking water
decreased (Upreti, 2006). This had a lasting negative effect on service delivery, especially for people in
the more remote, rural areas (SODARC-CPRP, 2010). In addition, the economy suffered as foreign
investment declined, tourist numbers fell, industries closed, workers were displaced, and business
suffered losses due to strikes, sanctions and regulation by rebels (SODARC-CPRP, 2010).