As of the early 1990s, women in Nepal were generally subordinate to men in virtually every aspect of life. Nepal was a rigidly patriarchal society.
Women's relative status, however, varied from one ethnic group to another. The status of women in Tibeto-Nepalese communities generally, was relatively better than that of Pahari and Newari women. Women from the low caste groups also enjoyed relatively more autonomy and freedom than Pahari and Newari women.