Biraj Thapa
Advocate & Executive Member of Lalitpur Bar Association
Nepal’s alarming rate of female suicides, accounting for 20% of total suicides, stems from deeply entrenched patriarchal norms, systemic gender inequality, and inadequate mental health support. In a society where women are historically marginalized, pervasive issues such as domestic violence, intimate partner abuse, and restrictive gender roles exacerbate psychological distress. Patriarchal structures enforce rigid expectations, confining women to domestic spheres while denying them autonomy over education, finances, or reproductive choices. Early marriages, dowry-related harassment, and pressure to bear male heirs further compound their vulnerability.
Mental health remains heavily stigmatized, discouraging women from seeking help. Cultural taboos often dismiss emotional suffering as weakness, leaving victims isolated. Limited access to mental health services, particularly in rural areas, worsens this gap. Meanwhile, legal and social mechanisms to protect women remain weak; reporting abuse risks stigma or retaliation, trapping many in cycles of violence. Economic dependency forces women to endure abusive households, fostering hopelessness. Additionally, Nepal’s post-conflict recovery and poverty amplify stress, disproportionately affecting women who bear care giving burdens amid scarce resources. Without systemic reforms – strengthening gender policies, expanding mental health infrastructure, and challenging regressive norms – this crisis will persist. Empowering women through education, economic opportunities, and legal safeguards is critical to addressing the root causes of their despair and reducing suicide rates.
Rushan Shrestha
Co-founder of Sanchyen Ramen & Head of Business Development at Fonepay
In Nepal, most female suicides happen in rural areas rather than in cities like Kathmandu. Women in villages often face many challenges, such as limited access to education and healthcare, making it hard for them to get help for mental health issues. Gender inequality and domestic violence are more common in these areas, and poverty adds extra stress. On top of that, social stigma makes it difficult for women to speak about their struggles.
What’s even more concerning is that some women, having grown up in these tough situations, unknowingly pass on the same hardships to the next generation because they were taught to accept them. In Kathmandu, while these issues still exist, there are more resources and awareness. But in villages, girls often face strong social pressure and judgment, pushing some to feel hopeless leading to tragic cases of suicide.
Raaunak Bikram Kandel
Film Producer
Honestly, as a guy it’s hard to wrap your head around these issues. But when you look closer, you see how society’s old fashioned rules crush women quietly. Growing up, I have seen my female friends, neighbours treated like their lives aren’t theirs. Their value is limited to marriage, chores, kids, etc. If they assert wanting to study, work or even choose whom to marry, they are labeled “difficult.” Imagine being told your dreams and goals don’t matter. That’s something I can’t fully grasp.
Then there’s the violence. I have heard stories of husbands hitting wives, in-laws abusing daughters-in-law, but nobody talks about it. Women stay silent because speaking up means shame, or worse, being kicked out with nowhere to go.
As men, we joke about female drama or ignore tears, not realising it’s a cry for help. Mental health is a taboo. Asking for help is seen as weak, so suffering stays hidden.
Money plays a role too. Most women rely on fathers or husbands. No income means no escape from a bad situation. Even if a man isn’t abusive, he might not even see how controlling the finances traps a woman making her feel stuck and hopeless.
I admit, men don’t always see this. We are raised to be providers, not listeners. But change can start with small things. Encouraging girls and women to study or pursue careers, call out casual sexism, or just asking women how they feel. Men must realise that our silence feeds the problem.
Pratik Aryal
Brand & Marketing Consultant, 88 Collective
In 2005 Kathmandu, my dearest friend committed suicide, her death stemming from a forbidden love; a relationship with a boy of a lower caste which her parents disapproved of due to caste differences. Her passing had a profound effect on me and how I view life.
As we all know, Nepal still remains a strongly patriarchal society, where women often have lower social status and limited autonomy. Even today, an urban working woman is frequently expected to handle household chores alone while balancing her professional life. We hear of domestic abuse, including physical, emotional, and sexual violence. Early marriage and frequent childbearing place immense pressure on young women, leading to feelings of powerlessness and hopelessness.
In rural areas, I have personally observed that social isolation and discrimination based on caste and ethnicity further marginalize women, increasing their vulnerability. Economic hardship and financial dependence on male family members, coupled with limited access to education and employment, restrict women’s opportunities. Depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders are prevalent, and access to mental health services is nonexistent.
The point I would like to reiterate is that a significant stigma surrounding mental health, coupled with the systemic abuse women experience, has led them to see suicide as their only escape.
Leave a Reply