Nepali women might soon use condoms especially designed for women, says the Centre for Development and Population Activities (CEDPA). The centre has been conducting studies on the acceptability of female condoms in Nepal as part of its efforts to reduce the risk of commercial sex workers contracting HIV or STDs from partners who refuse to wear condoms. Free condoms and information materials have been distributed to women from four VDCs of Lalitpur district-Bungamati, Chapagaon, Siddhipur and Tikathali. It's important to take into consideration Nepal's social context and awareness levels before introducing such contraceptives, officials at the centre tell us. If the studies indicate that the product is likely to be accepted, the condoms will be marketed at subsidised rates. But even then, the expense-the condoms cost Rs 100 -150 rupees apiece-suggests that it may not catch on as fast as social workers would like. "Social marketing of condoms for males hasn't been a big success. Where does that leave condoms for women," asks a public health worker.