Dhangadhi, Sudurpaschim Province – November 13, 2024: In a consultative workshop held in Dhangadhi, local leaders from Shuklaphanta and Krishnapur municipalities gathered to discuss the findings of a survey on the status and gaps in the implementation of gender-based violence (GBV) laws. The event, organized by Saathi under the GOAL Project, aimed to engage municipal leadership in addressing the urgent need for updates and improvements in GBV prevention and response mechanisms.
Portfolio Manager of Saathi, speaking at the event, stressed the growing concern over the increasing cases of heinous abuse and violence against women and adolescents. He emphasized the necessity of strengthening GBV-related laws and establishing robust prevention and response mechanisms at the local level.
Consultant Advocate Jiban Sharma presented the findings of the survey conducted in Krishnapur and Shuklaphanta municipalities. The findings highlighted the existing laws, policies, and statutory provisions on GBV at the federal and provincial levels, as well as the gaps in implementation at the local level. Sharma called for greater attention to these gaps and urged the local government to take immediate action to address them.
Women Development Officers also voiced their concerns, pointing out that the word “empowerment” is absent from the constitution, and advocated for policies that explicitly address gender issues. They stressed the importance of education and sensitization for both women and men, noting that men are often the perpetrators of GBV.
Deputy Mayors of both municipalities discussed the need to value women’s domestic work and suggested that it should be recognized as a contribution to the gross domestic product (GDP). They also emphasized the critical role of community members, including campaigners and leaders, in supporting survivors of violence who may lack the ability to speak out about their problems.
In his closing remarks, the Mayor of Shuklaphanta Municipality acknowledged that adequate GBV-related laws and interventions are yet to be developed. He admitted that budget constraints had limited efforts in this area but expressed a strong commitment to creating the necessary legal frameworks and procedures to combat GBV in the future.
The workshop concluded with a call to action, highlighting the need for continued efforts to develop and implement effective GBV laws, as well as prevention and response strategies. A total of 31 local representatives from Krishnapur and Shuklaphanta municipalities attended the program, marking an important step towards strengthening the legal framework and community response to gender-based violence.
