Dalit women of Nepal are often treated as second-class human beings and
are deprived of their basic rights. In such a scenario, it is not
surprising that they are the ones who are more prone to domestic
violence and other forms of abuse.
Republica’s Pratibha Rawal met up with Durga Sob, Chairman of Sankalpa – Women’s Alliance for Peace, Justice, and Democracy, to find out her takes on domestic violence and how she thinks an end can be made to it.
Republica’s Pratibha Rawal met up with Durga Sob, Chairman of Sankalpa – Women’s Alliance for Peace, Justice, and Democracy, to find out her takes on domestic violence and how she thinks an end can be made to it.
It’s said that Dalit women are more likely to suffer from domestic violence. Is that true?
Yes, that’s true. A recent study has also shown that 80% of Dalit women are victims of different kinds of domestic violence, sexual assaults, and trafficking, among other issues of violence.
What are the reasons behind domestic violence to Dalit women in the country?
Poor financial condition, lack of education and awareness are some reasons why Dalit women are more prone to suffer from domestic violence. Another reason is our social construction which still gives high priority to the rich and high castes only and treats Dalits almost like non-humans. Most of them have no idea where to report crimes committed against them.
Is there any difference between the Dalit women of the cities and rural Dalit women? Are they equally suppressed by the society?
There’s a huge difference between Dalit women living in urban and rural areas. Dalit women belonging to rural areas are more forward and outspoken than those living in urban areas. It may sound strange but it’s true. In urban areas, Dalit women are always trying to hide their true identities. Many don’t want people to know their real caste, so they change their last names. But in rural areas, Dalit women are always ready to fight for their rights. They don’t attempt to hide their identity; rather they try to create their own identity in the society. We’ve made several attempts to bring together Kathmandu’s Dalit women but not a single person is ready to be a member of our organization.
Despite having a number of social organizations working for women’s rights, why hasn’t the scenario changed?
We aren’t all that powerful to bring about a huge transformation.What organizations can do is support them so that they are able to speak out against the violence and suppression they have been putting up with for a long time. The social organizations can show that they don’t have to suffer in silence. In this, the organizations are working as a bridge between them and the concerned authorities.
What do you think can and should be done for the overall empowerment of women?
As I said earlier, in order to bring about any changes or development in this sector, the government should take strong initiatives and implement as well as enforce the laws. As of now, many laws are just limited to papers and files only and aren’t being enforced. News of rape cases and domestic violence continue to make headlines every single day and it’s becoming an extremely grave issue. The government has never shown any strong interest in curbing domestic violence, and without its support this sensitive issue can’t be brought under control. Ultimately, it’s the government which can do a lot to put an end to domestic violence and it’s high time they attended to it with the urgency it requires.
Yes, that’s true. A recent study has also shown that 80% of Dalit women are victims of different kinds of domestic violence, sexual assaults, and trafficking, among other issues of violence.
What are the reasons behind domestic violence to Dalit women in the country?
Poor financial condition, lack of education and awareness are some reasons why Dalit women are more prone to suffer from domestic violence. Another reason is our social construction which still gives high priority to the rich and high castes only and treats Dalits almost like non-humans. Most of them have no idea where to report crimes committed against them.
Is there any difference between the Dalit women of the cities and rural Dalit women? Are they equally suppressed by the society?
There’s a huge difference between Dalit women living in urban and rural areas. Dalit women belonging to rural areas are more forward and outspoken than those living in urban areas. It may sound strange but it’s true. In urban areas, Dalit women are always trying to hide their true identities. Many don’t want people to know their real caste, so they change their last names. But in rural areas, Dalit women are always ready to fight for their rights. They don’t attempt to hide their identity; rather they try to create their own identity in the society. We’ve made several attempts to bring together Kathmandu’s Dalit women but not a single person is ready to be a member of our organization.
Despite having a number of social organizations working for women’s rights, why hasn’t the scenario changed?
We aren’t all that powerful to bring about a huge transformation.What organizations can do is support them so that they are able to speak out against the violence and suppression they have been putting up with for a long time. The social organizations can show that they don’t have to suffer in silence. In this, the organizations are working as a bridge between them and the concerned authorities.
What do you think can and should be done for the overall empowerment of women?
As I said earlier, in order to bring about any changes or development in this sector, the government should take strong initiatives and implement as well as enforce the laws. As of now, many laws are just limited to papers and files only and aren’t being enforced. News of rape cases and domestic violence continue to make headlines every single day and it’s becoming an extremely grave issue. The government has never shown any strong interest in curbing domestic violence, and without its support this sensitive issue can’t be brought under control. Ultimately, it’s the government which can do a lot to put an end to domestic violence and it’s high time they attended to it with the urgency it requires.
source:- .myrepublica
No comments:
Post a Comment