Violence against women in Nepal

What is violence against women?

Violence against women should be understood as discrimination against the enjoyment of human rights on the basis of being a woman, physical and mental suffering, restrictions and any kind of trauma to women's self-esteem in any way. Various elements are playing a role in  maintaining the status of violence against women in the society. In the context of Nepal Women, who make up more than half of the total population, are still victims of discrimination, inequality, injustice and various forms of violence. Traditional religious and cultural beliefs have made women unequal, and even some of the existing legal systems in the country do not seem to be able to equalize the status of women. Many great political changes have taken place in the country, but the lives and dignity of the Nepali women who have played their part in bringing these changes to a decisive point are remarkable. Change has not come. Issues such as patriarchal thinking, superstitions, ancient customs and traditions, discriminatory laws, gender inequality, economic dependence, illiteracy, poverty, lack of women's representation in policy making are seen as the main reasons for violence against women. In patriarchal Nepali society, women are still treated as second class citizens. Women and Violence against women is also taking place due to the existing social discrimination among men. Murder, rape, sexual abuse, abduction, trafficking, beating, arson, poisoning, acid poisoning, discrimination in daily life, disenfranchisement in the name of culture and tradition, hurt speech and behavior, etc. Incidents are happening. All such acts are considered violence against women.

The situation of violence against women in Nepal:

Even under violence against women, most women are victims of domestic violence by their husbands and other family members within their own home environment. The husband and his family members accused the wife and her husband of not bringing dowry, not being able to have a son, and not having good character.The treatment of the daughter-in-law has been found to be very inhumane. Husbands do not fulfill their responsibilities towards their ex-wives and children by polygamy and in some cases are evicted from their homes and women are equally harassed by marital rape. The same happens at the social level Women are equally vulnerable to various forms of violence. At the societal level, such incidents are viewed only in a general way, despite the widespread use of character assassinations, abuse of public places and vehicles, and violence in the workplace. Rape of women and girls in recent times Incidents are increasing at an unusual rate. In some cases of rape, the victim is even killed after the rape. Helpless women accused of witchcraft are forced to endure the worst kind of treatment, from death to death. Similarly, deprived of personal freedom and rights in the name of customs and traditions, women are still living the life of Deuki and Jhuma, due to the practice of Chhaupadi in the western part of Nepal.The question is what level of life women are still living. It is estimated that about 5,000 women and children are trafficked to India and the Gulf every year for various purposes, including sex work and circuses. Similarly, the exploitation and atrocities of women working as domestic workers in different countries including the Gulf for employment have been made public from time to time.

The number of complaints filed by the victims has increased:

Due to fear of social stigma, prestige and family, women are reluctant to expose violence against them as much as possible. In addition, women are more likely to be involved in domestic violence complaints. Therefore, such incidents are made public only when no solution is found. However, the number of complaints of violence against women has increased compared to the past. National human rights against such incidents The victims have been filing petitions in the Commission, Women's Commission, Women's Cell of Police Office, Women and Human Rights Institutions and divorce cases have been filed in the district court. Although the number of complaints against violence against women is increasing every year in all these bodies as compared to the previous year, the exact number of complaints received every year is not known. Complaint There have been instances of victims getting justice as the process has moved forward, but justice has not yet been ensured for all the victims who have lodged complaints. Even if a law is made, the legal provisions are limited to paper only due to lack of rules, directives and other structures required to make it effective. Perpetrators arrested on the basis of complaints are released on bail, bail, etc. and in due course There is also the situation of getting relief from punishment. At the same time, the issue of women is not given much importance due to the patriarchal thinking of the people at the level of law enforcement.

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The RKV Post