Fighting Violence Against Women

The last few years have seen a remarkable shift in people's perception of violence against women (VAW) in society. Nepali women have been empowered and they are no longer vicitmised by domestic or other forms of violence. In a pivot from the trend where the women are subject to domestic violence, there are chorus of complaints that males have been vicitmised by the females. However, new data from UN Women and the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC) shows that despite the improvement in gender parity globally, the actual incidence of violence against women remains alarmingly high. 

Around 51,100 women and girls have been murdered by their intimate partners or family members in 2023, compared to 48,800 in previous year. This number does translate to an average of 140 women and girls being killed daily by those they trusted most. The report closes tragically with the words: "The home is the most dangerous place for women and girls." These numbers show that the primary causes of violence remain intact with even changes in the discourse: gender inequality, rigid societal norms, and economic dependency. 

Regional variations

The UN report suggests that violence against women has regional variations, such that Africa accounts not only for the highest absolute number of victims (21,700 in 2023) but also for the highest victims per population size (2.9 victims per 100,000). The Americas (1.6 victims per 100,000) and Oceania (1.5 per 100,000) also reported relatively high numbers, while Asia (0.8) and Europe (0.6) had much lower figures. These are indicative of the complex interrelationship between cultural, economic, and social factors that define violence in very much different parts of the globe.

In Nepal, a research of United Nations Populations Fund (UNFPA) revealed that one out of four women in Nepal experiences gender-based violence (GBV) in their lifetime. Reports from organisations like the Women’s Rehabilitation Centre (WOREC) documented in 2021/2022 state that 179 cases of violence against women and girls within a single year, including incidents of rape and human trafficking.

However, many cases remain unreported due to stigma, lack of awareness and insufficient legal protection. Nepal has come a long way in addressing violence against women through increased awareness, legal reforms, and strategic women's empowerment initiatives. The battle is far from being won, though, because gender inequality, rigidly compartmentalised roles, and economic dependence continue to prevail in many communities.

Violence against women takes various forms: domestic violence, sexual violence, trafficking, and harmful cultural practices like child marriage and dowry-related violence. Whereas the overall prevalence of violence shows a significant decline, the continuance of these practices outlines the need for sustained efforts. There is a notion that women's empowerment has increased divorce cases causing family disintegration. The 2021 census also discloses that 7.3 per cent of married women were recorded as single (widowed, divorced, or separated), up from 1.5 per cent in 2011. On the other hand, the number of single men rose from 0.5 per cent to 1.5 per cent during the same period. 

In the past, women endured violence and oppression due largely to financial dependence. However, with the increase in education and employment opportunities, many women are now independent of any financial support, and they can make decisions, including leaving an abusive relationship. No doubt, empowerment has ensured freedom and dignity of women. The gender empowerment must not be attributed to the social discord. Individual empowerment might disrupt the power dynamics that are traditionally understood as normal, and this will typically cause friction during the transition period. In other words, it requires society to adapt and understand that human relationships, the family, and equality can be redefined in ways that acknowledge freedom and rights for all individuals.

The global and Nepali experiences of violence against women point toward deep-seated structural and cultural factors. Inequality in power relations between men and women perpetuates violence, as women mostly have no authority to make decisions about their lives. Likewise, the societal expectations from both males and females about what it means to be "masculine" or "feminine" contribute towards a culture where dominance and control are normalised. It is the bitter reality that patriarchal system wants to see daughters succeed in their professional lives, yet simultaneously expects to take the sole responsibility for their family care and other domestic duties.

Abusive relationship

Likewise, women dependent economically on their spouses are unlikely to leave an abusive relationship. Dowry, polygamy, and the restriction of women's mobility in society contribute to a context in which violence is condoned or ignored. As the 16 Days Activism Against Gender Based Violence is underway across the globe, the discourse must be focused in these areas. So, education and awareness of gender equality must be widened, which can help break stereotypical myths and enable women to stand up for their rights. And, strengthening the laws in order to protect women from violence and ensuring that these are effectively implemented is paramount. The programmes meant for financial independence of women make them less vulnerable. 

Violence against women is punishable by law. This results from the failure of family and society. With collective efforts, we can eradicate violence against women. As Nepal embarks on its journey toward gender equality, it must continue to be premised on the belief that every woman and girl has the right to live free from violence and fear.

(Dhakal is a journalist at The Rising Nepal.)