Accusations of witchcraft in Nepal: Problems and impact on women

Abstract

Violence against women is a major human rights violation in Nepal. One type of violence perpetrated against women is accusing them of witchcraft, especially in the Terai and hilly rural regions, which makes them vulnerable to abuse. This paper provides an overview of the problems regarding accusations of witchcraft against innocent and poor women, who are then treated badly by a range of people in their communities. In this paper, I look at how such superstitions and religious belief have impacted the lives of women and the efforts for change that are being made by women's rights networks and other stakeholders. It also examines existing legal provisions and the current status of policy enforcement on the ground. Further, it seeks to find out how women's rights/human rights organizations, activists and NGOs are working to abolish this barbaric practice through the use of case studies. The paper concludes with recommendations and a list of steps that still need to be taken to protect such women and allow them to live with dignity.