3.000 participants in Network Campaign against Domestic Violence

For 6 days the Eastern Network against Domestic Violence conducted various events to raise the invisible issue that deeply affects the life of many families, mostly women, in Nepal. 3.000 people in Ilam, Jhapa and Dhankuta directly participated in different sensitization events like forum theatre and received relevant information and legal counseling in the field of Domestic Violence. 1.000 posters and more than 5.000 brochures have been distributed. Indirectly more than 25.000 people have been reached.

Currently “16 days of Activism against Gender Violence” are celebrated worldwide to highlight the need of action to minimize domestic violence. Between 25nd November and 01st of December the Eastern Network against Domestic Violence conducted various speech programs, forum theatre, rallies, performed songs against domestic violence, offered legal information such as counseling and organized interactions with local stakeholders. Around 1.000 posters were fixed in various towns and on local busses, more than 5.000 sensitization brochures were distributed. The tour bus travelled with a crew of 30 lawyers, psycho social counselors, actors and human rights activists to district capitals such as to remote VDCs of Ilam, Jhapa and Dhankuta.

The Eastern Network against Domestic Violence was founded in 2009 and consists of Human Rights Forum Nepal Ilam (HURF), Legal Aid Consultancy Centre (LACC), Mahila Janachetena Kendra (MJK), the Society of Local Volunteers Efforts (SOLVE) and is supported by German Development Service (DED).

Aim of the campaign was to sensitize the local population and to encourage the victims of domestic violence to speak about their suffering openly and to receive help by their family members, friends and mediation committees. Awareness to achieve support by civil society organizations and local bodies such as police was raised and knowledge about access to justice provided. Combating domestic violence has to take place 365 days a year.

Mohan C. mentioned that he considered Domestic Violence as a private issue till date and that he will act actively in future if his sister will face domestic violence after her marriage. Phulmaya K., another participant, expressed the necessity not to look away if women or children face domestic violence within the family or in the neighborhood.

In Ilam and Dhankuta, the respective CDO and various other relevant stakeholders signed a commitment paper to act actively against domestic violence. The public audience showed their commitment by signing a banner. The huge media echo of the campaign brought the message also in remote areas and to other districts.

In the closing ceremony, Amuda Shrestha, representative of the National Women Commission pointed out that domestic violence is a crime and highlighted the importance of implementation of the Domestic Violence Act that passed the parliament in April 2009.