By Rajon
Gender-based violence (GBV) is one of the most widespread and devastating human rights violations globally. Rooted in gender inequality and unequal power dynamics between men and women, GBV affects people of all genders, but it disproportionately impacts women and girls.
The numbers seem almost unreal: Indicating that almost one-third of women and girls are subjected to physical or sexual violence worldwide at any given time. By some accounts, just 2023 saw the intentional killing of over 51,000 women, with more than half of those killed by their intimate partners or family members. UN Women termed femicide as the latter occurrence marking the greatest failure of the system to protect women.
Women are not safe outside their homes either. Public figures— including politicians, human rights defenders, journalists—face violence both online and offline, sometimes with fatal outcomes. In conflict zones, where law and order have broken down, the situation is even grimmer. The UN reported a 50% rise in gender-based violence cases in 2023 compared to the previous year [UN Women, 2023].
Forms and Causes of GBV
GBV manifests in many forms, including:
- Physical violence (assault, slavery)
- Sexual violence (rape, sexual assault, harassment, exploitation)
- Emotional/Psychological violence (verbal abuse, threats, confinement)
- Harmful traditional practices (child marriage, female genital mutilation)
- Socio-economic violence (denial of resources, opportunities, or services)
During the times of crisis such as conflict, or natural disaster, the risk of GBV increases significantly. Contributing factors include:
Poverty — driving harmful practices like child marriage.
Breakdown of services — leaving women without social and legal protection.
Conflict and war —increasing cases of sexual exploitation.
Displacement — unsafe temporary housing, lack of privacy, increased risk of exploitation.
Stress and Substance abuse— linked to intimate partner violence.
Ending GBV requires collective action. While we may not all be activists, we can:
- Support local women-led organizations.
- Advocate for stronger laws and enforcement.
- Promote women’s leadership and participation in decision-making.
- Empower women and girls through education and financial independence.
- Engage male allies in promoting gender equality.
UN Women calls for governments to enact laws that ensure accountability and for National Action Plans that support survivors. The 16 Days of Activism reminds us: even small actions count in ending gender-based violence.
Nepal’s Response: One-Stop Crisis Management Centers (OCMCs)
In Nepal, GBV remains a serious public health and human rights concern. According to the 2022 Nepal Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS):
- 23% of women aged 15-49 have experienced physical violence.
- 8% have experienced sexual violence.
- A worrying 58% of survivors never seek help or tell anyone.
Nepal has made significant strides, establishing 94 One Stop Crisis Management Centers (OCMC) across 77 districts. These centers provide medical care, psychosocial counseling, legal aid, police services, safe homes, and rehabilitation under one roof.
Key Achievements in FY 2080/81 (2023/24):
- New GBV cases rose from 9,605 to 12,861.
- Reported perpetrators increased from 6,247 to 8,824.
- Psychosocial counseling (29.19%) was the most accessed service, followed by physical examinations (25.03%).
- Gandaki Province had the highest percentage increase in new cases (from 234 to 781).
Types of violence (among new cases):
- Physical violence: 26.82% nationally (highest in Karnali at 32.5%)
- Sexual assault: 13.2% nationally (highest in Bagmati at 29.05%)
- Rape: 16.8% nationally (highest in Karnali at 26.44%)
- Emotional violence: 19.72% nationally (highest in Sudurpaschim at 28.96%)
Despite progress, Nepal faces ongoing challenges:
- Limited skilled human resources in health and legal sectors.
- Insufficient fundings for safe homes and rehabilitation programs.
- Low public awareness about available OCMC services.
- Survivors fear of stigma and retribution, which prevents reporting
Global Action: The Role of IRC
Since 1996, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) has worked in prevention and response to GBV in over 40 countries. Their approach combines feminist principles with lifesaving services for women and girls affected by conflict and disaster. In 2023, IRC safe spaces saw nearly 800,000 visits. Over 45,000 GBV survivors were enrolled in case management for medical, emotional, legal, and psychosocial support.
Call to action:
- Further strengthen the OCMCs capacity to provide timely, quality services.
- Increase awareness campaigns so survivors know where to seek help.
- Secure sustainable funding for safe homes and rehabilitation services.
- Continue legal reforms and ensure accountability for perpetrators.
Ending GBV requires government action, community engagement, and individual responsibility. Every step, no matter how small, brings us closer to a safer, more just society for women and girls.