Kathmandu, July 14 -- This week at the launch of the National Population Policy launch Prime Minister K P Oli exhorted Nepalis to get married by age 20 and have three babies by the time they are 30.

This was the first indication that the highest office in the land has understood the need to address Nepal's dramatically falling birth rate, but Oli's statement was greeted with ridicule on social media - especially by women.

Most urban young are already grappling with economic pressures and shifting life priorities. Even with a university degree, many cannot find jobs, and are taking the first flight out for overseas employment. Having a child is now a fraught decision shaped by income, individual autonomy, and family pressure.

The UNFPA'...