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

Julia de Burgos, the Puerto Rican poet, expressed deep frustration and despair in her poem "I Was My Own Route" about the limitations imposed on women by patriarchal norms. As the chief of a local government unit, I would prioritize policies and initiatives that empower women, challenge gender stereotypes, and create an inclusive society where women like Julia can thrive.

First, I would promote education and skill development for women. Many women, especially in rural areas, lack access to quality education due to societal biases. By establishing girls’ schools, vocational training centers, and scholarship programs, we can ensure that women gain economic independence and confidence. For example, Nepal’s School Sector Reform Plan has increased female enrollment, but more efforts are needed to retain them in higher education.

Second, I would combat gender-based violence and discrimination through strict enforcement of laws like the Muluki Ain (2074) and the Domestic Violence and Crime Act (2064). Awareness campaigns in local languages, community workshops, and helplines for women facing abuse would be essential. In Julia’s case, she felt trapped by societal expectations—similar struggles exist in Nepal, where child marriage and dowry systems persist. Legal reforms and social mobilization can break these cycles.

Third, I would encourage women’s political participation. Julia’s poem reflects her desire for autonomy—something many Nepali women still lack in decision-making roles. By reserving seats in local bodies (as per Nepal’s constitution) and mentoring women in leadership, we can ensure their voices are heard. For instance, Pokhara Metropolitan City has seen increased female councilors, but more representation is needed at higher levels.

Finally, I would promote cultural shifts through media, literature, and public discussions. Julia’s poetry was a rebellion against oppression—similarly, local radio programs, street plays, and school curricula can normalize women’s rights. For example, Nepal’s "Ending Violence Against Women" campaigns have raised awareness, but deeper societal change requires sustained efforts.

In conclusion, addressing Julia’s feelings means empowering women economically, legally, politically, and culturally. Only then can society move beyond patriarchal constraints and allow women to define their own paths.

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b) Was Monsieur Durand’s Decision the Right Step?

In "Facing Death" by John Galsworthy, Monsieur Durand, a French prisoner of war, chooses to lie about his identity to avoid execution. While his decision may seem morally questionable, it can be justified on humanitarian and survival grounds.

First, Durand’s lie was an act of self-preservation. As a prisoner facing execution, he had no other option but to deceive his captors to survive. In war, moral dilemmas often force individuals into difficult choices, and Durand’s decision was a desperate attempt to stay alive. Many soldiers and civilians in war zones resort to deception to protect themselves or their families—this is a pragmatic response to extreme circumstances.

Second, his lie did not cause direct harm to others. Unlike betrayal or active deception that endangers lives, Durand’s false identity did not lead to further violence. His captors were already planning to execute him, so his lie only delayed an inevitable death. In contrast, truth-telling in such situations could have led to his execution and potentially affected others (e.g., his family’s future).

However, some may argue that lying is inherently wrong, regardless of consequences. Philosophers like Immanuel Kant would condemn Durand’s action because it violates the categorical imperative—the idea that one should never lie, even to save oneself. From this perspective, moral integrity is more important than survival.

Yet, in real-world scenarios, utilitarian ethics (maximizing overall good) would support Durand’s choice. His survival could have allowed him to help others later, such as reuniting with his family or aiding fellow prisoners. Historically, many prisoners of war (e.g., during WWII) used deception to escape execution, proving that survival instincts often override rigid moral rules.

In conclusion, while Durand’s lie was morally ambiguous, it was a necessary and justifiable act in a life-or-death situation. The context of war and desperation makes his decision understandable, if not entirely ethical.

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OR

Runtu’s Case and Living Conditions in Nepal

Runtu, the protagonist in "My Old Home" by Lu Xun, represents the plight of the marginalized in Chinese society—a poor, uneducated laborer exploited by the wealthy. Similarly, Nepal’s average citizens, especially in rural areas, face economic hardship, lack of opportunities, and systemic inequality, though their conditions have both improved and worsened in recent decades.

Runtu’s Case and Parallels in Nepal

Runtu’s life reflects exploitation and powerlessness—he works tirelessly for little pay while the rich live in luxury. In Nepal, landless farmers, daily wage laborers, and informal workers face similar struggles. For example:

• Agricultural workers in Terai often earn Rs. 300–500 per day, barely enough for food.
• Women in rural areas lack access to land ownership, education, and healthcare, much like Runtu’s family.
• Child labor persists in brick kilns and factories, violating Nepal’s Child Labor Act (2018).

Runtu’s fate—death due to overwork and neglect—mirrors Nepal’s high maternal mortality rates (110 per 100,000 births) and low life expectancy in rural areas (69 years vs. 73 in urban areas).

Are Living Conditions Improving or Worsening?

Nepal has seen some progress, but inequality remains a major issue:

Conclusion: A Mixed Picture

While Nepal has made progress in healthcare, education, and infrastructure, economic inequality, rural deprivation, and systemic discrimination prevent true development. Unlike Runtu’s China, where revolutionary changes later improved conditions, Nepal’s gradual reforms are insufficient to uplift the poor.

Key Issues to Address:

1. Job creation (especially for youth) to reduce reliance on remittances.
2. Quality education in rural areas to break the cycle of poverty.
3. Stronger enforcement of labor laws to protect workers like Runtu.
4. Gender and social inclusion to ensure marginalized groups benefit from development.

In Runtu’s time, systemic change was needed—today, Nepal requires faster economic growth, better governance, and social justice to improve living standards for all. Without these, the gap between the rich and poor will widen, leaving many in Runtu-like conditions.