Kathmandu: Despite constitutional provisions guaranteeing a life free of violence, the fiscal year 2021/22 witnessed a surge in cases of violence against women and girls (VAWG) across Nepal. Disturbingly, 78.82 percent of reported gender-based violence cases were attributed to domestic violence, as per police data.

In instances of sexual violence against women, a staggering 83.15 percent of cases involved perpetrators known to the victims, with 64.22 percent of the victims being girls. The police recorded 16,700 cases of domestic violence, 2,380 cases of rape, and 809 incidents of polygamy during the fiscal year. Furthermore, 655 cases of attempted rape were reported, revealing the gravity of the situation.

The breakdown of domestic violence cases by province revealed that Bagmati Province reported the highest number (4,626), with 3,058 cases in the Kathmandu Valley alone. In contrast, Karnali Province reported the lowest with 983 cases. For rape cases, Bagmati Province led with 588 reported incidents, followed by 323 cases in the Kathmandu Valley, while Karnali Province reported the lowest with 157 cases.

Regarding age groups, the highest percentage of women and girls experiencing GBV fell within the 19-25 age group (28.31 percent), followed by the 26-35 age group (14.24 percent).

The actual figures could be higher, as many cases of GBV go unreported due to various circumstances, according to stakeholders participating in a discussion organized by the NGO Federation of Nepal. The discussion, part of the global 16 Days of Activism against GBV, highlighted the need for collective efforts to address policies, investments, and the role of civil society organizations in preventing violence against women and girls.

During the discussion, panelists, including Nira Adhikari (Undersecretary, Ministry of Women, Children and Senior Citizens), Shanta Laxmi Shrestha (CSO representative), and Sandesh Silpakar (Association of International NGOs in Nepal representative), emphasized the economic and financial consequences of VAWG. Adhikari expressed concerns over the low budget allocated for combating VAWG, while Shrestha emphasized the watchdog role played by CSOs and the need for collective action.

The panelists highlighted challenges in combating GBV and advocated for strengthening legal and institutional frameworks, expanding access to support services, promoting prevention through social and behavioral change, enhancing data collection and monitoring, and fostering stronger coordination among the government and other stakeholders.

GBV remains a global concern, affecting almost one in three women worldwide, according to estimates by the World Health Organization. The South-East Asia Region ranks second-highest, with approximately 33 percent of women facing physical or sexual violence in their lifetime.