Kathmandu: Gender-based violence (GBV) survivors have raised concerns over being neglected by the National Women Commission (NWC) as they sought assistance during the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. Sita Karki (name withheld), a resident of Kalanki, Kathmandu, visited the NWC office seeking justice for the abuse she suffered at the hands of her husband. However, she left feeling dejected due to the absence of counselors to attend to her case.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Karki was not the only one facing this predicament. On the first day of the 16 Days of Activism against Violence Against Women (VAW), the NWC staff and office-bearers were preoccupied with external rallies and interactions, leaving the survivors unattended. Karki, who initially sought legal advice from the Commission, was among five GBV survivors who returned home without having their grievances heard.
The NWC has only five legal consultants, and with other officials engaged in activism activities, the survivo
rs found themselves without the necessary support. Dan Bahadur Tamang, who traveled from Dolakha district to inquire about a complaint filed against him, also returned without any assistance. Similarly, Jhuma Kumari Khatri (name changed) from Bhaktapur district, and Reena Dahal from Koteshwor, Kathmandu, faced similar neglect after visiting the Commission for help with their GBV cases.
Despite the global activism event, which is observed by 187 countries from November 25 to December 10, survivors like Dahal continue to struggle for justice. She has been visiting the NWC for a month, seeking resolution to her complaint against her husband and his family for dowry-related abuse. Dahal criticized the lack of action, stating that victims cannot receive justice if there are no officials present to take necessary steps.
NWC Secretary Parbati Aryal denied that the Commission’s services were disrupted due to external programs. She stated that high-ranking officials were fulfilling their duties in shifts, ensuring t
hat victims are not left unattended. Aryal maintained that at least one or two counselors were available at the office to provide support to those in need.