| Project Detail |
Gender-based violence is a widespread problem in Nepal, and an obstacle to sustainable development. The SDC and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) launched a 3-year prevention and response project at the beginning of 2016. Women and girls are learning about their rights and being encouraged to report assaults. Men and boys are being encouraged to change their behaviour towards women. And duty bearers are learning to respond more rapidly and effectively. The project is already delivering first encouraging results.
The project is aimed at 120,000 households in three of Nepals 75 districts: Okhaldhunga – a priority region for the SDC severely hit by the earthquake in early 2015 – and Udayapur and Sindhuli, where UNFPA is also supporting other projects.
An initial survey of 1,618 households gathered insights into what and how much people know about gender-based violence (GBV). 408 men and 1,210 women were interviewed.
Violence against women is a fact of daily life
The results of the survey speak for themselves: 87% of women and 97% of men say they have heard of cases of violence against women and girls. Domestic violence, rape, including marital rape and sexual harassment in public places, and polygamy are the most common reports. Other studies in Nepal have concluded that at least one in five women in Nepal has experienced violence. It is generally believed that the high suicide rate among women of child-bearing age is associated with violence against women.
Coordinated training raises awareness and provides help
In response to the findings, various training courses have been held since January 2017. They cover topics ranging from legal rights and obligations to healthcare. The tutors work with role-play, case studies, presentations, lectures, discussions, videos and games. Couples training, in which couples learn to communicate better and become more aware of the negative consequences of violence in the home, has been particularly successful.
GBV watch groups are learning how to respond and assist women affected by gender-based violence before referring them to specialised services, and how best to broach the issues in their communities. In empowerment courses, young girls are reflecting on their own experiences and role models. Health workers are learning to recognise gender-based violence and respond appropriately, even when women put their injuries down to other causes. Police officers are not only learning how the law applies to GBV but also how to treat survivors in a more sensitive way.
|
