3. Write long answers to the following questions in about 150 words each. a) As the chief of a local government unit of your country, what would you do to address the feelings of the women like…

a) Addressing the Feelings of Women Like Julia de Burgos as a Local Government Chief

Julia de Burgos, in her poem "I Was My Own Route," expresses the struggles of women who are confined by societal expectations, gender roles, and patriarchal norms. As the chief of a local government unit, I would prioritize policies and initiatives that empower women, challenge discrimination, and create an inclusive society where women like Julia can thrive.

First, I would promote gender equality through education and awareness programs. Many women, especially in rural areas, lack access to quality education due to cultural biases. By establishing girls’ schools, vocational training centers, and digital literacy programs, we can equip women with skills that enable financial independence. Workshops on women’s rights, self-confidence, and leadership would also help break stereotypes.

Second, I would strengthen legal protections against gender-based violence and discrimination. Many women face domestic abuse, workplace harassment, and limited property rights. Enforcing existing laws (such as the Muluki Ain and Domestic Violence Act) and establishing women’s helplines and shelters would provide immediate support. Additionally, sensitization campaigns in schools and communities would foster a culture of respect.

Third, I would encourage women’s political and economic participation. Quotas for women in local governance and leadership positions would ensure their voices are heard. Supporting women-led businesses through microfinance and subsidies would also boost their economic independence.

Finally, I would challenge traditional gender roles through media and public campaigns. Promoting female role models in literature, films, and public speeches would inspire young girls to dream beyond societal limitations. By fostering a society where women are valued, respected, and empowered, we can create a future where no woman feels trapped by expectations—just as Julia de Burgos did.

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b) Was Monsieur Durand’s Decision at the End of Facing Death the Right Step?

In Facing Death by John Galsworthy, Monsieur Durand, a wealthy landowner, faces a moral dilemma when his daughter, Marie, is accused of poisoning her husband. At the end, he chooses to take the blame for the crime to protect Marie, even though he is innocent. This decision raises ethical questions about justice, sacrifice, and moral responsibility.

Arguments in Favor:

1. Protecting Family and Love – Durand’s primary motivation is to save his daughter from a wrongful conviction. His love for Marie drives him to make a selfless sacrifice, demonstrating the depth of parental devotion.
2. Exposing the Real Culprit – By confessing, Durand forces the authorities to investigate further, potentially uncovering the true criminal (possibly the husband’s family or a rival).
3. Moral Courage – Taking responsibility for a crime he did not commit shows integrity and bravery, even in the face of legal consequences.

Arguments Against:

1. Injustice to the Accused – If Durand is found guilty, an innocent man (or woman) may suffer the consequences of his lie, undermining the justice system.
2. Encouraging False Confessions – His action could set a dangerous precedent where people lie to protect others, leading to miscarriages of justice.
3. Alternative Solutions – Instead of confessing, Durand could have hired a lawyer, gathered evidence, or exposed the real conspiracy without directly lying.

Conclusion: Durand’s decision was morally commendable but legally risky. While his love and sacrifice are admirable, the consequences of his lie could have been catastrophic. A better approach might have been to use legal means to prove Marie’s innocence rather than taking the fall. However, in a society where women were often blamed for crimes, his act was a bold defiance of injustice, making it a symbolic but flawed choice.

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OR

Runtu’s Case in Chinese Society and Nepali Living Conditions Today

In My Old Home by Lu Xun, Runtu, a young boy from a poor family, struggles with poverty, hunger, and societal neglect. His story reflects the harsh realities of rural China in the early 20th century, where children like him had little access to education, healthcare, or basic dignity.

Runtu’s Case in Chinese Society:

1. Poverty and Neglect – Runtu’s family is so poor that they sell him to a wealthy household to survive. This reflects the exploitation of children in feudal China, where the poor had no legal protections.
2. Lack of Education – Unlike privileged children, Runtu has no chance of schooling, reinforcing the cycle of poverty.
3. Social Hierarchy – His fate is determined by class, not merit, showing how systemic inequality crushed individual dreams.
4. Cultural Insensitivity – The story highlights how traditional values (such as filial piety) were used to justify child labor and abandonment.

Comparison with Nepali Living Conditions Today:

Are Nepali Living Conditions Improving or Worsening?

Improving in Some Areas:

• Education: More children (especially girls) now attend school due to free education policies and NGOs like Room to Read.
• Healthcare: Immunization rates and maternal health have improved, though rural healthcare remains weak.
• Legal Reforms: Laws against child marriage, trafficking, and gender discrimination exist, though implementation is slow.

Worsening in Others:

• Economic Inequality: Urban-rural divide is growing—Pokhara/Kathmandu thrive, while far-western regions struggle with poverty.
• Climate Change: Floods, landslides, and droughts (e.g., 2023 floods in Karnali) destroy livelihoods, pushing people deeper into debt.
• Political Instability: Frequent government changes and corruption hinder long-term development.
• Youth Unemployment: Despite education, lack of jobs forces many to migrate (e.g., Gulf countries, India), leading to brain drain.

Conclusion: While basic rights (education, healthcare, legal protections) have improved since Runtu’s time, economic inequality, climate vulnerabilities, and political instability still trap many Nepalis in cycles of poverty. Unlike Runtu’s era, where systemic oppression was absolute, today’s challenges are more complex—requiring stronger governance, climate resilience, and economic reforms to ensure real progress. Without these, the dream of a prosperous Nepal remains distant for many, much like Runtu’s unfulfilled potential.