‘When will we stop violence against women?’

Sambridhi Foundation Nepal is a non profit organisation run by Sangita Shrestha with the aim of transforming the existing taboos and harmful social norms to ensure every child enjoys the right of freedom, security, and dignified life. The very organisation, conducted a silent demonstration today morning regarding the recent rape and murder case of an 18 months old girl child in Morang.

The event took place in front of the National Women Commission, Bhadrakali. Every participant in the event tied a black cloth around their mouth symbolising how women’s voices are being suppressed.

Leading the event, Bidhya Shrestha says, “The main reason to conduct this event is to get the attention of the government and National Women Commission as there was no valid hearing for the culprits; Mithun Chaudhary, 28 and Ajay Chaudhary, 25.”

“How helpless is the government that the culprit, Ajay, who was involved in the rape case almost 1 year ago, is not being punished accordingly? The government should make dimensional laws for rapists,” she adds. 

The event was held to raise the voice against rape asking ‘When will we stop violence against women?’ and also for the rights of women and children, for their safety in their own society/community, so that they could walk and laugh openly.

Similarly, Sangita Shrestha the founder of Sambridhi Foundation Nepal said that rape cases were increasing day by day and, in trying to stop that, they would handover a bridge letter to the National Women Commission. 

The letter was about the culprit, Ajay, not being given a strict punishment in the verdict of his first rape case. If he was strictly punished the first time, then only he would not have dared to do it again and maybe the 18-month old child would have still been alive. By taking advantage of the government’s weakness, the crime and the confidence of the rapists are increasing gradually. To stop that the National Women Commission should play a vital role.

After handing the gap letter to the honourable member of the National Women Commission, Krishna Kumari Poudel Khatiwada, she also spoke a few words: “There is violence in each and every house and it is not possible for only us to stop those crimes, we need everyone's help. If you keep on pushing us from time to time, we are also definitely going to move forward.”

“We will also have to wait for the police, the law and the judge to make a decision. We are going to send this letter to the Home Minister and the Prime Minister themselves and try to get their attention as well,” she adds.

With the letter in their hand, Khatiwada asks for some time so that they could help the foundation to punish the culprit that they deserve. “If for some reason, you have to pressure the government by holding a rally, then I will join you too”, she adds further.