Kathmandu April 28, 2012: SLUT WALK NEPAL a facebook activism group has successfully organized a rally Walk for Respect here in Kathmandu with a loud and clear message of spreading awareness against eve teasing and sexual harassment. The rally was participated by more than 500 enthusiastic Nepali youths.
In Nepal under the Nepal Public Offenses and Penalties Act, 1970, it is clearly stated that any activities or action that carries in sexual nature both verbally or physically for any sort of favors or creates an unwelcoming situation, abusive language, hostile situation in any work environment using any sort of means is sexual harassment. The offense has provision of a fine up to NRS, 10,000 and in a major case can result in imprisonment. Unfortunately in most of the cases due to lack of awareness the victims fail to report the case and the culprits escape openly.
According to the organizers, slut walk Nepal, “The main theme of our campaign is to sensitize the greater problem among youths as well as other people i.e. eve teasing and sexual harassment.
we want to Boost the morale of the people to face the challenges in this issue and aware the people of existing laws and policies of Nepal. Eve teasing and sexual harassment are serious violation of Human Rights. As an aware conscious citizen we cannot tolerate the violation of Human rights. That’s why this issue needs to be addressed immediately and needs to be acted ASAP.”
Supporters in the rally
One of the participants Pragya shakya said, “It’s high time we raise our voices. We have been suppressed in so many ways and why should we always suffer. The Government has made the rules against eve teasing and sexual harassment so why are we keeping our silence. We will not keep our silence it’s our right to speak, walk and talk with freedom and no one can take this away from us. Like said above people have no right to tell us what to wear first they should stop thinking bad. It’s my right to be who I’m but it’s against law to make me feel harassed.”
The event was supported by UNDP Nepal, ECS media
The Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGqUNO0VvPk&feature=youtu.be
