'It's breaking quite big social taboos' violence against women and girls and self-defense training in Nepal. (September 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Standing, Kay; Parker, Sara; Bista, Sapana
• Is Part Of: Women's studies international forum. Volume 64(2017:Sep./Oct.)
• Page Start: 51
• Page End: 58
• Publication Date: 2017-09
• Subjects: Self-defense -- Nepal -- VAWG; Women's studies -- Periodicals; Feminism -- Periodicals; 305.4
• DOI: 10.1016/j.wsif.2017.09.006
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0277-5395

Abstract

Abstract: Given the increased vulnerability to, and rise in reports of, sexual violence in post-disaster situations this article seeks to explore the role of self-defense programmes as a response to addressing violence against women and girls. It draws on the authors' experience of post-earthquake Nepal in 2015. We argue that self-defense training can play a crucial role in challenging normative gender roles, raising confidence and self-esteem in girls and women during and post disaster, and call for further research to take place at the local level to explore this important issue further. Highlights: Increased violence against women and girls in temporary camps post-earthquake. Self-defense training has a role in empowering women/challenging gender norms. Interagency work is needed between police, state, NGOs and women's groups. Further research is needed into long term effects of self-defense programs.