Advocate Amrit Sharma
Attorney-at-Law, Prime Legal Consultants and Research Center
My professional experience spans 16 years, during this time, I’ve handled hundreds of rape cases on behalf of the victim or defendant. I am sharing my opinion based on my professional experiences. Sexual violence is a phrase that encompasses a wide range of behaviours, including rape, attempted rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment, indecent exposure, image-based sexual abuse,sometimes known as ‘revenge porn’, and stalking. The social component has played an important role in becoming a sexual violence criminal. Based on my professional experience, the societal structure in society has generated sexual violence for the following reasons. First, gender inequality. Second, patriarchal arrangements. According to Nepal’s historical norms, as a patriarchal country, men are dominant over women. Men are dominant in society, teasing and touching women is considered natural. Third, cultural attitudes towards victim blaming.
In countries such as Nepal, when a boy commits sexual violence, the victim is often blamed. Women’s sexuality frequently leads to victim blaming and discourages women from reporting crimes, promoting an environment of impunity. Fourth, substance abuse. Alcohol and drug misuse are frequently associated with higher instances of sexual violence, as people under the influence may have fewer inhibitions and control over violent behaviour. Fifth, caste has contributed to the majority of rape incidents. If a Dalit girl has a relationship with an upper caste boy, society will not accept it. As a result, they want to prosecute for rape. Six young people were slain in Rukum district, western Nepal, during caste-related community violence. The bodies of two Dalit males were discovered in the Bheri River, indicating that Nepal’s caste system has generated social conflict. There has also been an upsurge in sexual violence. Sixth, pornography and misrepresentation of consent. Lastly, migrant workers’ vulnerability and domestic worker exploitation and sexual assault in the workplace.
Goku Shrestha
Finance, Contracts and Audit, EU Delegation
I think societal and behavioural factors go hand in hand when it comes to why men commit sexual assault, especially with the rise in cases recently, even here in Nepal. Society often teaches men to associate masculinity with dominance and control, but fails on compassion and emotions. We grow up in a culture where power and aggression are seen as strengths, and this spills over into how men view sex and relationships.
In Nepal, many guys think they can get away with it because there are no real consequences. The lack of strict enforcement or social accountability allows this mindset to continue. On the behavioural side, most men aren’t familiar with the concept of about pleasure and consent. Sex education focuses only on biology, skipping over mutual respect, boundaries, and emotional connection. This leads some guys to see sex as something to take, rather than something shared. Moreover, we live in a relatively conservative society and lack of open conversations on aspects of sex and consent makes things worse. Open discussions on such areas need to be encouraged so people’s needs are addressed and their mindset is widened, which will be instrumental in minimising sexual assault.
Bikas Rauniar
Editor, Morph / Photo Journalist
Every male child has the potential to develop harmful behaviour if not properly raised with the right guidance and values. As parents, we bear the responsibility for how we bring up our children. The education, culture, and values we instil, as well as the examples we set, play a critical role in shaping their character. Children absorb what they see around them, and their surroundings greatly influence their development. For instance, if a child witnesses abusive or dominant behaviour towards women, whether from a father or an uncle, that behaviour can become normalised in their mind. This highlights the importance of setting the right example, as actions often speak louder than words.
We often hear the phrase “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” (Save the Daughter, Educate the Daughter), but it’s time to shift the focus to “Beta Padhao, Beti Bachao” (Educate the Son, Save the Daughter). This means educating our sons and challenging the traditional notions that society has long portrayed. We need to redefine terms like “macho” or “masculinity” and teach our children what these really mean. Disrespecting others or engaging in violent behaviour should not be seen as “cool” or “masculine.” Society must help boys understand that true masculinity involves respect, empathy, and equality. If parents fail to raise their sons with the right values, then every male child has a probability of being a rapist in the future.
RR Khadka
Actor
In the context of Nepal, there are three primary factors contributing to the rise in rape cases: society, education, and the judicial system. Society: The roots of this issue lie deeply within societal behaviour. Education is closely linked to societal norms, but being educated or popular is not enough to prevent this crime. Numerous examples of high-profile individuals accused of rape demonstrate that status and dignity should make one more responsible, yet they are not always deterrents. Society must recognise that everyone shares equal responsibility in combating the heinous crime of rape. If rape occurs, there should be zero tolerance. Our traditional values are being overshadowed by outdated legal frameworks. Both society and the education system contribute to this rise in violence. Education: Our education system and societal patterns must also bear some blame. The lack of comprehensive sex education and awareness about consent creates a dangerous environment where crimes like rape can flourish. Judicial system: The legal framework in Nepal is complex and often discourages victims from coming forward. The legal process, including the aggressive questioning by defence lawyers, can shame and retraumatize victims, making them less likely to pursue justice. Moreover, accused individuals often wield power, money, or political influence to escape punishment, leading to a vicious cycle of repeated offences. In the case of brutal gang rapes, the legal system needs to consider more stringent measures, including the death penalty. A comprehensive approach involving anthropologists, educators, criminologists, psychologists, and legal experts is necessary to reform the legal system and introduce changes in the educational curriculum.
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