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In the context of the 76th International Human Rights Day, a status-sharing program on the ’16-Day Campaign Against Gender-Based Violence’ was organized by the Informal Sector Service Center (INSEC) in Kathmandu on 12th December. The participants during the program emphasized the need for collective unity against gender-based violence.

In an interaction program organized by INSEC in collaboration with DCA, Samjha Shrestha, the Chief of Human Rights Advocacy Program, INSEC presented incidents of human rights violations against women and girls recorded during the 16-Day Campaign Against Gender-Based Violence. She stated that INSEC documented 164 cases during the campaign period. Highlighting that gender-based violence continued even during the campaign, she emphasized that more than 10 women face violence daily under various accusations, as evidenced by the recorded data.

INSEC Chairperson Dr. Kundan Aryal highlighted that the documentation of 164 incidents of violence during the 16-Day Campaign Against Gender-Based Violence reflects the state of human rights in society. Dr. Aryal emphasized that it’s important to analyze and address the root causes and patterns of violence rather than treating each incident as an isolated case.

Chairperson Aryal stressed the necessity of a collective initiative to end impunity for achieving gender equity and equality. He further stated that human rights defenders must focus on ensuring justice for victims and punishment for the accused to uphold human rights effectively.

Samjhana Sharma, the Deputy Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, mentioned that the forms and trends of violence are deeply rooted in society. She emphasized the need to identify the causes of violence and work towards creating a violence-free society. She also pointed out the need for collaboration between all levels of government and civil society to reduce violence. She called for efforts to promote values-based education and a positive family environment to eliminate violence.

Bidur Subedi, the General Secretary of the Human Rights Alliance, pointed out that even during the 16-Day Campaign Against Gender-Based Violence, violence continues through digital platforms. He emphasized the need for all sectors and communities to end such incidents collectively. He called for adherence to the law and ensuring appropriate justice, highlighting the importance of following legal norms rather than acting against the law in the name of culture and values.

Krishna Waiba from the Beyond Beijing Committee (BBC) stated that violence in society can be reduced by teaching children humane behavior at home by parents.

Rasana Dhakal from the National Violence Prevention Network (NVPN) stated that when children play and eat together in society, parents register the case of child rape or sexual abuse against the child which contributes to increasing gender-based violence in society.

Kalika Pathak, the former vice-chairperson of Kalinchok Rural Municipality in Dolakha, mentioned that many victims face sexual violence from familiar people and relatives. She pointed out that daughters who are raped by their fathers are forced to get citizenship in their father’s name. She stressed that INSEC should take the initiative to address the issue and change this situation.

Ram Bhattarai, the Chairperson of the NGO Federation, Kathmandu, mentioned that some marriages still take place without consent in the name of culture, and such cases may not be recorded. He emphasized that INSEC should highlight these cases and also publicize examples of positive and good practices happening in society.”

Anuradha Joshi from HURON stated that gender-based violence occurs due to unequal treatment in society. She pointed out that those who are economically stronger often perpetrate violence against the economically weaker. She emphasized the need for awareness-raising on economic empowerment and other practical aspects.

Sunita Pariyar, from the Samata Foundation, mentioned that there is no record of online gender-based violence, and highlighted that Dalit women and people with disabilities face even more violence in society. She emphasized the need for a collective effort to reduce such violence.

Sulochana Khanal from WOREC highlighted that women who have been victims of domestic violence often suffer further when their cases are reconciled, with some even resorting to suicide. She drew the attention of stakeholders to this issue. She also provided examples of how some human rights activists face danger due to their involvement in campaigns against gender-based violence.

Mina Sharma, the Chairperson of the Institute of Human Rights Communication Nepal (IHRICON) mentioned that the legal age for marriage is set at 20 years by the state’s law. She pointed out that the data from ongoing incidents during the 16-Day Campaign Against Gender-Based Violence has raised awareness and highlighted the need for awareness campaigns.

Human rights activist Hikmat Singh Lekali mentioned that not only women but also men suffer from violence in society. He emphasized that when an accusation is made against any male, his name is often made public, and if the court later declares him innocent, he still faces social ostracism. He stressed the need for awareness in the documentation process to prevent such situations.

Bidhya Chapagain, a human rights activist, provided examples of violence against women who are economically vulnerable in society. As the number of women working for financial gain increases, they are facing abuse and violence both in their workplaces and at home. She urged attention to be given to their rights and the proper documentation of such cases.

Advocate Pushpa Paudel expressed the belief that ensuring economic empowerment, along with gender equality and equity, would help reduce gender-based violence.

Dipak Prasad Ghimire