Beat it

That there is widespread gender-based violence is evident from reports of many such incidents in the media. These are only the tips of the iceberg however, and there are many others that are hidden from public scrutiny and go unreported. It is no secret that forms of gender-based violence such as domestic violence are rampant. Thus, that Nepal is to observe the year 2010 as a year for conducting a campaign to end gender-based violence merits attention. Considering the enormity of this form of abuse, it is hoped that the sensitization may be achieved to come down on gender-based violence particularly against them. Women are the vulnerable segments of society and for long have been denied their basic rights, particularly in the underdeveloped countries like Nepal. As a result, numerous women continue to suffer from gender-based violence and are unable to speak out against them. Such is their position in society that they are expected to treat their fate as their due, and they are often threatened with dire consequences should they divulge that they are victims of such violence, which should not be the case.

Thus, it is high time strong steps were taken for eradicating violence against women. Among the various ways this could be done would be raising awareness. This could be done by including studies on gender-based violence in the school syllabus. The young would learn about this and be sensitive to it so that when they would know how to deal with it and ultimately do away with it. It must be noted herein that this foremost objective can be achieved through genuine empowerment of women. Only that can ensure their enhanced self-confidence, and lead to women asserting their rights. Programmes related to the welfare of women should be accorded due priority so that they can be implemented at the earliest in order to make the year 2010 successful in eradicating gender-based violence. It is an encouraging initiative, but to fulfill every related aim within one designated year is never possible. It should bank on sustained efforts over the years, for which 2010 will be special.

Since the issues related to women are sensitive in nature, there is need for all the concerned to be alert about them. Furthermore, victims of gender-based violence, despite the intricacies and complexities, can get help and justice. In the meantime, the perpetrators of gender violence should not be let off easily. It is not only stringent laws that are needed but of equal significance is their implementation. Special teams of law enforcement officials should be created which would specifically deal with such forms of violence. In this, the ministry for women and Women’s Commission have to be proactive as these issues come under their purview. The campaign should be implemented from the highest level so that the goals reach the suffering women at the grassroots level. The mere announcement of 2010 as the year for conducting the campaign to end gender-based violence is not enough, there is a need to highlight the specific goals and the strategies to achieve them. It calls for serious deliberations and the logistics before the campaign picks up on a firm footing.

Flattened drums

Despite the fact that the creator has gifted us with two ears, WHO comes up with the conclusion that +80 decibels will prove too heavy on the subtle hearing aid. In reality, the modern cities are letting the safety limits go to the rubbish dumps if the volume of sound or rather noise is to be gauged with the up-to-date equipment. The attitude of “who cares?” rules the roost when it comes to the most prolific noise producers that include the motorized vehicles, construction activity, music on the move, and , of course, the simultaneously emanating babble from individuals in any haphazard form of congregation. One can hardly stop the ears from receiving the flow of sound waves. Well, as with anything, too much of noise just tends to rip apart the ear drums, and then there is silence.

The scenario transcends the figment of imagination because it is real life encounters of the worst kind. That could be the reason why the metropolitan city dwellers’ ears are slowly losing the grip over

the function that it was designed for. The noise pollution problem is gargantuan and is the bonus coming from urbanization and modernization. Maybe there’s no looking back!