Dalit Women: The Most Oppressed by Violence

In Nepali society, Dalit women in particular are more susceptible to discrimination than other segments of the society, as several studies point out. Dalit women face discrimination based on factors like caste, the influence of patriarchal thoughts, economic and social status.

A study conducted by the Feminist Dalit Organization (FEDO) in the year 2081 shows that 11.54% of surveyed Dalit women were victims of violence. A total of 11.34% of incidents recorded in the National Women Commission involve Dalit women. INSEC’s records also indicate that Dalit women are the second most affected group by violence, accounting for 22.58%.

Notably, these data are based on complaints from the victims. Right activists argue that most Dalit women are unable to lodge complaints against perpetrators with relevant authorities owing to several factors like the lack of knowledge of relevant procedures. What's worse, per the activists, is that the authorities keep the field cases hidden instead of bringing them to light.
Lack of legal awareness and prevailing culture of impunity, fear of further violence, economic and social pressure, and lack of access to justice are some of the factors behind this injustice,  

The severe discrimination against Dalits and Dalit women are most evident in inter-caste marriages, according to FEDO General Secretary Renu Sijapati. The FEDO study, for instance, shows that a total of 71.7% of inter-caste married Dalit women face direct and indirect threats and fear. The study's findings show that 70.8% of these women have experienced public harassment and humiliation.

Durga Sob, Vice President of the Nepal Socialist Party (Naya Shakti), emphasized the need to implement national and international commitments, constitutional provisions, legal frameworks and policy measures to end violence against Dalit women. She stressed the importance of educating both Dalits and non-Dalits about existing laws and regulations.