Far-western women demand end to discrimination

Narrating their heart-rending stories of gender-based discrimination and violence, women from far-western region have demanded immediate steps to end social inequalities at all levels of community.

"We work shoulder to shoulder with men but at the end of the day, they pay us Rs 80 compared to Rs 100 for men," said Sitapati Chaudhary, a freed Kamaiya from Kailali district. She said that men spend money on alcohol and beat women while the women will have to take care of home and children.

Furthermore, Nirmala Aire from Doti district reciting her plight asked the state to ban alcohol. "In our village, boys as small as 14 years old are found drinking alcohol that is so easily found at Rs 15 per pouch." She added that men resort to physical violence against women when they are drunk. Aire, along with Chaudhary, called on the authorities to prohibit drinking.

Aire also talked about the inhumane treatment meted out to women of far-western region in the name of a tradition called Chhaupadi whereby women have to live away from their home at an unhygienic shed for a week every month when they menstruate.

Speaking at a program organized by Sancharika Samuha, a women communicators' group, Sita Bika, a lady from Dalit community of Doti district, complained that people from her community were being treated "worse than dogs." She asked, "Where is the state? Aren't we human beings?"

Another woman who wanted to conceal her name, wailed about the government and society's apathy towards her plight. A mother of two children whose husband was killed by Maoists, she demanded compensation. "I have heard about peace agreements. But who will listen to our problems and help us?" she asked.

Another woman belonging to freed Kamaiya community from Bijayanagar Basti of Tikapur, Kailali added how state forces had used violence against them during conflict. "I have seen innocent persons being killed with my own eyes," she said adding that Tharu youths were looked upon with eyes of suspicion by security forces during the conflict.

Addressing the program titled "Elimination of Violence Against Women: Concerns and Responsibilities" Sandra Beidas, Head of Protection, Office of High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), said that there is now a huge challenge to create a safe, supportive and protective environment in which women and girls can come forward, talk about what has happened and seek help.

Beidas called for ending impunity for violence against women and girls, which she said is one of the most crucial ways of dealing with the problem. She also called for translating peace agreements and commitments "into clear policies, strategies and programs and with the resources to ensure their implementation."

Babita Basnet, president of Sancharika Samuha, said a comprehensive partnership among all key stakeholders like government, NGOs, media and community was required for better results.

Alka Pathak, country director of CARE International Nepal, said she believed it is "our responsibility not choice" to help bring about positive transformation in the community. nepalnews.com sd Dec 03 06