Gender based violence: ‘Empower, Educate, Enforce’

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a significant issue in Nepal, with alarming statistics highlighting its prevalence. The World Bank ranks Nepal 14th out of 15 countries for intimate partner violence, with one-third of married women experiencing emotional, physical, or sexual abuse from their spouses. Reports indicate that 48% of women have faced some form of violence in their lifetime, including 15% who experienced sexual violence. Between July 2021 and July 2022, there were 21,568 reported cases of GBV. Despite existing legislation, gaps in implementation remain a challenge.

An event titled ‘Empower, Educate, Enforce’ which took place at Thames International College in Kathmandu, marking the 33rd International 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) highlighted different systemic issues related to CBV and practical solutions. The event was rganized by Astitwa Nepal with support from the US Embassy in collaboration with Thames International College, National College, and Kadambari College.

The first panel discussion titled, “Beyond Awareness: Practical Approaches to Gender-based Violence” included Binu Thapa from the National Federation of Disabled-Nepal, Sulakshana Rana from Sathi, and Jenny Khadka, a burn patient counsellor at Kirtipur hospital. They focused mostly on awareness and stigmas related to GBV. The event first started with data and facts where the panellists’ discussed that despite legal frameworks, Nepal ranks low in women’s safety, with only 28% of women seeking help after experiencing violence. Panels highlighted the need for economic independence for survivors and legal reforms to address gaps in enforcement and societal stigma surrounding GBV.

Rana highlighted that the current situation regarding gender-based violence is changing and positive changes are coming but the laws are just being made and  not being implemented which is very concerning.

The discussion also focused on stigmas around menstruation, the challenges people face from the LGBTQIA+ community, and the victimized children brought into a shelter. When victimized children are brought into any kind of organization, the people in that organization have to carefully choose which kids to put together in a shelter. For instance, putting kids suffering from sexual abuse, street children and domestic violence cannot be put together.

Thapa expressed her concerns about people with various kinds of disabilities. She stated that disabled people are looked down upon. They are always treated inferior. People have this idea that disabled people should not go on with their day-to-day life and sit inside their homes.

No matter who the victim or perpetrator is, people always blame the woman. People need to be aware and know how to tackle any situation. One must be able to prepare oneself for the journey from awareness to acceptance; acceptance that the belief system one has is wrong. Only then can society progress and in turn change for the better.

Laws often fail to be implemented due to hierarchical issues and a lack of trust in officials. While legislators create laws with foresight, many remain unaddressed, particularly when high-profile individuals are involved, leading to inadequate justice.

The second discussion titled, “Empowering Justice: Legal Perspectives on Preventing GBV” featured Sushma Gautam from the Forum for Women Law and Development, DSP Saileshwori Bohora from the Women and Children Service Directorate, and Politician-educator Manushi Yami Bhattarai.

As the society progresses, the laws also need to be equally progressive. If the society remains static, there won’t be any change and it is not good; neither for an individual nor for the society. Gautam recalled the  time when the issue needed to be manipulated because during those days’ issues couldn’t be laid out directly.

“When there aren’t any laws, people want laws and when laws are made people want implementation of those laws,” was what Gautam stated.

Laws often fail to be implemented due to hierarchical issues and a lack of trust in officials. While legislators create laws with foresight, many remain unaddressed, particularly when high-profile individuals are involved, leading to inadequate justice. Traditional problems persist, but modern complexities also arise, revealing that power dynamics, rather than gender, primarily drive violence. The legislative process in Nepal faces challenges, including delayed discussions and ineffective enforcement, which undermine the intended purposes of laws.

Nepal’s policies addressing gender-based violence (GBV) face significant challenges despite some positive initiatives. The Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Response Project aims to enhance awareness and improve service delivery, yet funding issues hinder effectiveness, with the GBV Elimination Fund’s budget declining and access problems reported. The National Women Commission’s helpline has seen increased demand, but systemic obstacles remain, including inadequate shelter facilities and limited resources for survivors. Coordination across federal and local levels is crucial for effective implementation, but many funds are not operational, highlighting a need for urgent reforms.

However, progress has been made in Nepal regarding laws addressing gender-based violence, with female officers now tackling these issues to facilitate communication. Investigations have become more evidence-based through new technologies, yet stigmas around police reporting persist due to fear of judgment. The Nepal Police still face challenges, including insufficient facilities and a lack of professionally trained personnel. Despite these hurdles, it’s essential to recognize the legislative advancements that have occurred.

(Giri and Maharjan both are studying in Kathmandu University, bachelor in psychology program.)