Lack of education and awareness is one of the biggest reasons behind domestic violence, gender-based violence, and other forms of discrimination in society. The daily lives of our sisters and mothers have long been shaped by male dominance within the household, where women are treated like servants and continuously burdened with work. In Jumla, due to lack of awareness, many women are afraid to raise their voices against violence committed against them. Limited access to justice and support mechanisms also forces women to become victims of both minor and severe forms of violence. However, with the passage of time and growing awareness, women’s empowerment programs have encouraged women to become actively involved in preventing domestic violence. Through women’s groups and unity, women have begun speaking out against domestic violence, which has helped reduce such violence to some extent.

Domestic Violence

The Sarki Bada Women’s Group in Ward No. 3 of Tila Rural Municipality was formed by Sarvodaya Nepal. All members of the group are Dalit women. They hold monthly meetings and discuss various social issues. As a result of advocacy through the group, domestic violence has gradually decreased in recent times. One of the members of the Sarki Bada Women’s Group is 26-year-old Putali Sarki, who lives in Ward No. 3 of Tila Rural Municipality. Her family consists of nine members. Her husband has been working in Malaysia for the past 28 months. During his absence, she was subjected to economic, physical, and social abuse by her in-laws, including her mother-in-law, father-in-law, sisters-in-law, and sisters. This issue eventually reached the Sarki Bada Women’s Group. Although Putali was a member of the group, she initially remained silent out of fear. Once the matter was discussed within the group, all members provided counseling to her family. Through continuous advice, suggestions, and counseling, the relationship between Putali and her family has now become harmonious.

Putali is just one example. Through women’s groups, the suffering of many women has been resolved, and reconciliation has taken place in many households. Rural women who once kept their pain hidden within themselves have now gained awareness through Sarvodaya Nepal and discussions on self-reliance within the groups. As a result, women themselves have become actively engaged in preventing domestic violence. There is a significant difference between the lives of women in the past and today. Although some women may still face violence, the majority have now become aware. Therefore, the work carried out by Sarvodaya Nepal in women’s empowerment—especially through the formation of women’s groups—has transformed past conditions and enabled women to advocate for their rights with confidence.