Nepal: Educated, Urban Women Face Higher Risk of Pregnancy Violence

A recent report has revealed that educated, urban women in Nepal are more likely to face violence during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum periods. The report, published by the Forum for Women, Law and Development (FWLD), found that more than one-third of women surveyed experienced some form of violence during these periods.

The study, which surveyed 1,680 women from 28 municipalities across seven provinces, found that 38.4% of pregnant women, 37.9% of women who had given birth, and 35.9% of postpartum women experienced violence. The most common forms of violence were emotional, with 30.7% of pregnant women, 32.7% of women who had given birth, and 30% of postpartum women reporting emotional abuse.

The report also found that family members and relatives were the most common perpetrators of violence, with 60% of pregnant women, 64.4% of women who had given birth, and 71% of postpartum women reporting violence from family members. Husbands were also found to be perpetrators, with 52.1% of pregnant women, 44.9% of women who had given birth, and 47.4% of postpartum women reporting violence from their husbands.

The study’s findings suggest that violence against women during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum periods is a significant problem in Nepal, particularly among educated, urban women. The FWLD has called for greater awareness and action to address this issue, including the implementation of policies and programs to prevent violence against women.

The report’s findings were presented at a program attended by various stakeholders, including representatives from women’s organizations and government agencies. The program was chaired by FWLD Chairperson Gita Aryal, and included presentations from researchers and experts in the field.