Discussion on Violence During Maternity Services to be Held in National Assembly

April 21, Kathmandu – Jayantidevi Rai, chairperson of the National Assembly’s Committee on Federalism Strengthening and National Concerns, has announced plans to convene officials from relevant ministries to discuss issues related to violence during maternity services.

Speaking at the “I Am Feminism” event organized by the Women, Law and Development Forum (FWLD) on Tuesday to mark the 116th International Women’s Day, Chairperson Rai addressed the protection against violence in respectful maternal care. She noted that violence is reportedly more common in public hospitals compared to private ones during childbirth services. “I will discuss these surprising and concerning issues with officials from the Home and Health Ministries,” she stated.

Chairperson Rai also applauded FWLD’s role in advancing legislative reforms against violence and promoting gender equality within Nepalese society.

Savin Shrestha, Executive Director of FWLD, shed light on the current state of respectful maternity services and the objectives of the program. He emphasized the absence of legal provisions to penalize violence occurring during childbirth services. He further informed that Nepal’s government has been advised to enact relevant laws in the seventh periodic report submitted to the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).

Through case studies of violence during maternity, Shrestha clarified the program’s purpose by sharing victims’ authentic experiences.

Similarly, FWLD’s attorney Dipesh Shrestha elaborated on the current reality of safe maternity services and violence during childbirth.

The event included video messages and a play illustrating the types of violence women may encounter during maternity services. The drama, presented by Bajrapani, powerfully depicted the challenges faced by women in rural settings during childbirth.

Directed by Rabin Tamang, the play featured performances by Ranhani Lama, Hemant Magar, Ramila Moktan, Asmita Magar, Keshav Singh, and Shukraraj Magar.

FWLD also honored students who received the SRHR Youth Fellows award during the program. Awardees included Dikshika Gajmer, Srishti Singh, Pratha Dhamala, Jyoti Rayamajhi, Rajesh Bhujoo, Nirajan Bohora, Prakash Shahi, Sunita Shrestha, and Sharmila Goli.

Participants included law professors, students of law and nursing, SRHR Youth Fellows, journalists, activists, representatives from various civil society groups, and reproductive health experts.