The power of smile

Special project about violence against women in Nepal

In Nepal, after ten years of civil war, was a long period of transition that should have led to structures more democratic and more respectful of civil rights for the women of ethnic groups and of the lower classes. Unfortunately most of the expectations raised by the end of the civil war were disregarded. Political stability, manifested by frequent changes of government, has slowed, if not totally stopped, the peace process and growth that was expected. The progress to end the discrimination against women, especially in relation to the recognition of citizenship, protection of civil rights, and to safeguard their physical integrity were often confined to official documents, without an effective implementation. Although the constitution guarantees equal treatment to all citizens without distinction of sex, caste, or race, the discrimination and violence against women remains pervasive and the government has not yet taken significant actions and measures to repeal the discriminatory laws and the many inconsistencies regarding the rights of women.