Women working at night still face stigma
Anita Shrestha
Various women expressed the social insecurities facing them at a programme organised by Women Forum for Women in Nepal to mark the 127th International Workers Day in Kathmandu on Friday.
Speaking at the programme, Saru Nepal (name changed) of Jhapa district said, “I did not come to Kathmandu because I wanted to, but to protect myself from sexual harassment meted out by my family members.”
The two-day event has brought together nearly 150 working women involved in the entertainment sector. Saru added, “I came here in 15 years ago but life in Kathmandu has been harder than I thought it to be.
I started working in a dance bar due to lack of employment options.”
Despite being a professional, Saru has to face harassment from the bar owner and police personnel.
Similar is the story of Sona Thapa. A Nuwakot resident, she had come to the capital six years ago after completing her SLC exams. She said, “For want of options, I started working at dance bars.” She shared that she has to face harassment due to the nature of her job.
Her landlady hiked the rent upon finding out that she worked at a dance bar.
“Our employer hasn’t provided us with ID cards and we fall victim to police harassment all the time,” she said.
Speaking at the function, SSP Sarbendra Khanal said police personnel should not overstep their jurisdiction and act against the laws.
Women working at various restaurants, bars, Dohori Sanjh, massage parlours, cabins and open restaurants from various districts participated in the programme.
They demanded that they be allowed to work as professionals.
Under secretary at the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Welfare Sunita Nepal, member of National Human Rights Commission Sarita Gyawali, women’s right activist Renu Adhikari and Under Secretary at the Ministry of Labour and Employment Jivan Kumar Rai also attended the programme.
Published on: 30 April 2016 | The Himalayan Time
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