As the title shows, Women Participation in Nepali Labour Movement is a record of women's participation in historical events in Nepal. This is not, however, a description of history, but an analysis of both the bright and dim sides that have supported as well as hindered the activities of women. The ninth chapter truly summarises the fact.

What is noteworthy about the study is its message that history should not be limited to the prayer of kings, nobles and aristocrats, it should rather be an analytical exposition of the deeds of the working class people, who genuinely write history out of their sweat and tear. And the study is just a beginning; a number of events are yet to dig out, as the 'limitation of the study' warns. We all need to realise that it is not a duty of an individual, not of a research team alone. It is a common responsibility of us all.

This study is devoted to clarifying such vibrant issues as 'gender, sex, gender discrimination, patriarchy' and the 'liberation of women.' Amidst the discussion of historical events, the study also reflects the vision of GEFONT on many pertinent issues. The study also deals with other labour-related issues in the context of labour practices. A discussion on the present day trade union movement and women's participation in it, problems facing workingwomen, gender and the policies of key labour organisations on women is obviously contextual, timely and educative not only for women but for everybody concerned with labour as well as social movement.

Comrade Binda Pandey deserves special thanks for her hard labour to lead the team that undertook the study. Thanks are also due to other members of GEFONT family who have been involved in this study one way or the other. I should not let this opportunity pass without expressing my sincere thanks to the Committee for Asian Woman, Bangkok for supporting this timely study.

Mukunda Neupane
Chairman
National Committee