KATHMANDU, March 24: It’s been a decade since the Comprehensive Peace Agreement between the Government of Nepal and the Maoist rebels was signed ending Nepal's civil war. But the victim and survivors of the decade-long insurgency, especially women, are still languishing in search of justice. They are often silenced, disbelieved, stigmatized or punished by the society when they come forward to share their experience. 

In an effort to break the silence and end impunity by giving them justice, an event was organized by The Story Kitchen at Hotel Himalaya in Kupondole, Lalitpur, on Thursday.  

The main aim of the event was to support and advocate for the survivors of conflict and sexual violence, who suffered from the atrocities of both the army and the Maoist rebels during the insurgency. 

Addressing the event, minister for women, children and senior citizens Tham Maya Thapa urged civil society organizations and the government to ensure justice to the women who were sexually and physically tortured during the insurgency. 

“The government should be stable for five years so that both the civil society organizations and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission can work smoothly without any hindrance and work for justice to the victims,” said Thapa. “The Constitution of Nepal has guaranteed the rights of women. This constitutional right needs to be strictly implemented.”

Likewise, other guests including the UN resident coordinator Valerie Julliand, chairperson of the Commission for Investigation on Enforced Disappearances Lokendra Malik, member and spokesperson for National Human Rights Commission Mohan Anasari stressed on the need to end impunity and give justice to the victim women.

The highlight of the event was the experience-sharing of five victim women. A digital platform of The Story Kitchen was also launched and digital stories were also screened at the event. Asha Chaudhary, 26, from Kaili was one them those who shared their stories. She was tortured by the Maoist rebels when she was just 12. However, she never lost hope and protected her siblings from the rebels. The villagers call her a brave woman. 

The stories shared by the victims and survivors were showcased in artworks and theatrical performances in an effort to give voice to the voiceless.