KATHMANDU, March 6: Various studies have revealed that Dalit women in Nepal endure higher levels of violence than others in society. While all women experience different forms of violence, caste-based discrimination, patriarchy, and economic and social factors subject Dalit women to additional abuse.
A 2081 study by the Feminist Dalit Organization (FEDO) found that the Nepal Police recorded Dalit women as victims in 11.54% of all reported violence cases, while Dalit girls accounted for 19.44%. Similarly, records from the National Women Commission showed that 11.34% of reported cases involved Dalit women.
Data from WOREC Nepal (a movement-based organization that functions with the premise of women's rights and social justice as a prerequisite for peace, social justice, and sustainable development) indicated that Dalit women made up 27% of female victims of violence. INSEC's records ranked Dalit women as the second most affected group, comprising 22.58% of victims. However, activists argue that these statistics only reflect reported cases, while many incidents remain unreported due to victims' fear of retaliation and their limited access to legal proceedings.
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FEDO identified inter-caste marriages as a major area where Dalit women face extreme discrimination and oppression. A study found that 71.7% of Dalit women in inter-caste marriages have faced threats, intimidation, or fear, either directly or indirectly. Additionally, 70.8% have endured verbal abuse or public humiliation. FEDO's General Secretary, Renu Sijapati, highlighted how deep-rooted social prejudices often lead to the character assassination of Dalit women, significantly affecting their lives.
Another alarming issue concerns the birth registration of children born to inter-caste couples. The study found that 25.8% of these children lack official birth records, preventing them from enrolling in schools and accessing government services, according to General Secretary Sijapati.
To combat violence against Dalit women, Nepal Samajbadi Party (Naya Shakti) Vice President Durga Sob urged authorities to strictly enforce national and international commitments, as well as constitutional, legal, and policy measures.
She emphasized the need for raising awareness among both Dalits and non-Dalits about existing laws. "All Nepali women face various forms of violence, but caste, regional, economic, and social status expose Dalit women and children to even greater abuse," Sob stated. "Strict enforcement of laws and widespread awareness campaigns are essential to bring about meaningful change."
