‘Combined, integrated efforts needed to fight GBV’

Kathmandu, December 4

Combined and integrated efforts by government, private and other organisations are essential to put an end to gender-based violence.

This was stressed during  an interaction on Nepal Women Commission’s integrated project to control and address gender-based violence, organised  jointly by the NWC and Working Women Journalists’ here today on the occasion of the 16-day activism — November 25-December 10 — against gender-based violence.

The NWC has received 107 complaints of domestic violence against women in the past four-and-a-half months.

Working Women Journalists chair Subhekchha Bindu Tuladhar expressed concern about the lack of recognition of women’s work by the State. “Working women journalists have their own problems and issues.”

NWC law officer Nirmala Gurung was of the view that the way towards building gender equality was quite tough. Rape, murder, child marriage and forced abortion are among the challenges faced in building a gender-friendly society, according to her.

The NWC recently launched a 24-hour helpline 1145 to respond to cases of gender-based violence. This is supported by the World Bank.

On the occasion NWC integrated project manager Palita Thapa said immediate rescue, six-month shelter and free legal services are available for victims of violence against women if the victims come into contact with the NWC through the helpline.