This year, the BBC has selected 100 women who are leading change and making a difference during the uncertain time triggered by the coronavirus pandemic.

Nepal’s Sapana Roka Magar has been named as one of the 100 Influential Women for 2020 for her selfless service amid the pandemic.

Sapana is working as a crematorium technician at an organization that handles the cremation of unclaimed bodies across Nepal.

“After becoming homeless for three months, Sapana traveled to Kathmandu where she became involved in an organization that cremates unclaimed bodies,” said BBC.

Amid the pandemic, the Nepali Army has been strictly managing the bodies of those who have died from COVID-19 infection. Sapana’s organization retrieves the abandoned bodies from the streets or mortuaries and makes arrangements to take the dead bodies to a hospital for post-mortem examinations.

If the body remains unclaimed for 35 days, the organization cremates the body as per the Dagbatti rituals, which in Hindu tradition are usually performed by the son of the deceased.

“There are homeless, abandoned people across the world. People who die on the streets deserve proper last rites. I do this job not as a social service but for my own peace of mind,” says Sapana.

The list also includes Sanna Marin (Prime Minister of Finland), Michelle Yeoh (Malaysian Actor), Sarah Gilbert (Scientist at Oxford University working to create COVID-19 vaccine), as well as Jane Fonda (Two-time Academy Award-winning actress).

In a bid to honor countless women around the world who are making a difference amid the pandemic, the BBC has left the first place on the list open with the title ‘Unsung Hero.’

Stay Tuned to NepaliSansar for Latest Mahila News!

More News:

• Mrs. Nepal 2020 Is Open! Register Now!
• Nepal Concludes Multiple Beauty Pageants Amid Festive Season!
• Kamala Harris Becomes First Woman, First Black, First South Asian US Vice President
• Nepali Women Laxmi Rayamajhi Gets Recognition From Bill Gates!

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All the talented, beautiful, and confident married Nepali women under the age of 21 to 55 years can now register to participate in the competition.

As per the press release issued by the pageant organizer E-Planet Pvt. Ltd., the aspirants can opt for online or offline registration in view of the ongoing pandemic. Green Arts Media Pvt. Ltd. will be the coordinator of the event.

“The applicants would be judged in various areas, and the most competent and competitive candidate possessing the highest potential will be crowned as Mrs. Nepal 2020,” said E-Planet Chairperson Santosh Sapkota.

The Mrs. Nepal 2020 winner will represent Nepal at the Mrs. Universe 2021 pageant. The selected candidate would go through several training sessions before competing with the global contestants. The training session will be conducted in the presence of various pageant professionals, including Mrs. Nepal Universe 2019 Anila Shrestha.

Mrs. Nepal Titleholders

• Meena Ghimire – Mrs. Nepal 2013
• Rajani Thapa – Mrs. Nepal 2014
• Padmini Jha – Mrs. Nepal 2016
• Manisha Dongol Shrestha – Mrs. Nepal 2018
• Anila Shrestha – Mrs. Nepal 2019

Stay Tuned to NepaliSansar for Latest Fashion News!

More Articles:

• Miss Universe Nepal 2020 To Go ‘Digital’ Amid COVID-19
• Miss Universe 2019 in Pictures
• Nepali Women Laxmi Rayamajhi Gets Recognition From Bill Gates!
• Nepali Fashion Designer Sanyukta Shrestha Wins ‘Editor’s Choice Award 2020’

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They have been visiting the temple since early in the morning to worship Lord Shiva on the first Monday of Shrawan. They offered Ber leaves and holy water to their most-revered deity.

Shrawan in Nepal is considered as an auspicious month to worship Lord Shiva and pray for good health, fortune and pleasure.

Pashupatinath area was witness to a thousand devotees clad in red, expressing their festive fervor.

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“We have given priority to the safety of women and children in public vehicles. In this regard, we are in the process of launching a campaign on violence against women and children in public vehicles,” IGP Khanal said in a release.

Khanal was speaking at the inaugural function of the Civil Support Room at Metropolitan Police Range Office (MPRO), Teku.

Speaking at the event, Khanal further informed that the department is also partnering with various organizations working for the women and child welfare.

“We are holding talks with representatives of women organizations and networks working for the welfare of women in order to launch the program,” IGP added.

Speaking about the new construction, Khanal informed that the support room built in line with the Community-Police Partnership Campaign aims to offer effective police services to the public in a friendly environment.

Khanal was hopeful that the department would be more successful in curbing criminals and crimes of all level such as human trafficking, among others in the capital with the help of civil society and related stakeholders.

The support room was built with a NPR 1.95 million investment from the Nepal-Bangladesh Bank.

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An inspiring event held in Nepal on January 11, 2019, proved that! Kathmandu hosted the first-of-its-kind ramp walk show by cancer survivors, with the Nepal Cancer Support Group and its unit Sudipta organizing the event.

With ‘Cancer is also curable and there is life after Cancer,’ as the slogan, the event aimed at creating awareness and instill some positive spirit among cancer patients.

Amid hundreds of audience at the hall of Hotel Heritage Garden, various cancer survivors performed in the ramp walk titled ‘Sudipta Cancer Survivor Ramp Show’ with high confidence and charming smiles.

Unlike the usual fashion shows, an 8-year-old kid Lian Awale (a survivor of blood cancer) and a 21-year-old Dikshya Hada (undergoing the fourth phase of synovial sarcoma cancer) inaugurated the event amid huge applause.

What Cancer Survivors Said?

Cancer survivors from different backgrounds and age groups participated in the show with traditional attires.

“I won over breast cancer some eight years ago. Today, I am living a happy life with my family. We should not fear cancer, but fight against it,” said the 45-year-old Subina Chapagain from Kathmandu, who appeared in ethnic Sherpa attire.

“Many people think that cancer is not curable but it’s not true. If we conduct regular screening and receive treatment from the early stages, we can win over cancer. I am here to raise awareness about the same,” said another cancer survivor Pradeep Sapkota, who had overcome mouth-related cancer buccal mucosa.

“It is a great pleasure to participate in a unique show surrounded by positive people. Though I am still struggling with cancer, the show has given me motivation and hope,” said Hada.

Hada, who hails from Bhaktapur, was accompanied by her 17-year-old brother Yash Hada.

The show filled with intense joy as Yash started playing the guitar for his sister and the duo received wide appreciation from the audience and many celebrities who attended the show.

“Seeing so many cancer-suffering people in a single platform, I realized that my daughter is not alone in this race,” says Hada’s mother.

“Cancer leads to physical, mental, financial and psychological struggles for the patients and their family members. But it is curable and post-cancer life can be still amazing as before,” says Sworupa Shrestha, the event coordinator.

At the end of the event, a few doctors also joined the show adding to the joy of the event.

Extending Support to Cancer Affected

Dr. Sudip Shrestha and his wife have been running the Nepal Cancer Hospital and Research Center since the past few years, with their Nepal Cancer Support Group extending needed support to the needy cancer patients and their families. Continuing the efforts, the organizers are planning to utilize the ramp show fund for the treatment of cancer patients with poor family background.

“Regular health check-up and a healthy lifestyle is the key to prevent cancer. There are hospitals with advanced technologies within the country, so people should not fear anymore,” says Shrestha.

According to the Nepal Health Research Council, trends show Nepal has around 30,000 cases of cancer diagnosed every year and only around 10,000 patients of them visit the doctors for necessary treatment.

Cancers related to lungs, oral cavity, breast, thyroid, breast, and cervix have been among the popular cancers seen in Nepal over the years. While breast cancer is more among women, men are falling prey to lung cancer.

In Conclusion

Events of this kind not only give new hope to cancer survivors but also bring to limelight many cancer patients waiting for needed support!

Read: Manisha Koirala – The Story of a Fallen Soldier yet an Unconquered Warrior

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Renowned news agency BBC featured Nepali woman politician Uma Devi Badi in its ‘BBC 100 Women 2018’ list released on November 19, 2018.

Uma Devi is currently the Provincial Assembly Member of Sudur Paschim Province of Nepal.

BBC releases a similar list every year including top 100 inspirational and influential women across the world. The 2018 list includes women of all ages ranging from 15-94 years from more than 60 countries.

The selected women share experiences of their struggle and achievements in various fields such as politics, business, social activism, fashion, art & photography, teaching, among other industries.

Making her nation proud, Uma Devi stood at the Top 10 position in the list above UK’s retired fashion designer Judith Balcazar (65), Peru’s Lawyer Cindy Arlette Contreras Bautista (28), Uzbekistan’s lecturer Leyla Belyalova (61), among others.

Top 10 of the ‘BBC 100 Women 2018’ List:

1. Abisoye Ajayi-Akinfolarin (33)- Social Impact Entrepreneur from Nigeria
2. Esraa al-Shafei (32) – Executive Director of a non-profit organization from Bahrain
3. Svetlana Alekseeva (18) – Fashion Model from Russia
4. Lizt Alfonso (51) –Director & Choreographer from Cuba
5. Nimco Ali (35) – Writer & Activist, Somaliland
6. Isabel Allende (76) – Author from Peru
7. Boushra Yahya Almutawakel (49) – Artist, Photographer & Activist from Yemen
8. Alina Anisimova (19) – Student Programmer from Kyrgyzstan
9. Frances Arnold (62) – Engineering Professor from US
10. Uma Devi Badi (54) – Member of Parliament P from Nepal

Uma is from the Badi community, which is considered “untouchable” in Nepal, and is working to change that perception, BBC said in a release.

Uma Devi- Only Politician in Top 10

Born in 1965 to a Badi family in the Thapagaun, Salyan district of Nepal, Uma Devi is known for her 48 day-long Badi movement, an unforgettable event in the history of Nepal.

In 2007, Uma Devi led a team of 500 Badi community members from 23 districts, who began their journey from their respective villages to Singha Durbar with a 26-point demand towards protection of Badi community’s rights and opportunities.

Badis have strong demands for permanent shelter, end to prostitution and against untouchability, besides registration of their births and citizenship in the name of mothers, among other serious issues, all led by Uma over the years.

Uma’s struggle for the protection of Badi community over the period earned a wide global-level appreciation. However, her efforts got due recognition when Nepali citizens chose her as a Provincial Assembly Member from the erstwhile Nepali Congress (NC) Government in 2017.

Hope the women leader would be successful in achieving long-standing goals towards the betterment of her community, ensure the overall well-being of Nepalis in her respective role and continue to be a role model for other women in Nepali society.

Congrats to Nepali Woman Influencer and the first Badi Parliament member Uma Devi!

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Nepali Minister for Women, Children and Senior Citizens Tham Maya Thapa issued a statement as part of the Sixth Periodic Review of Nepal at the session.

Thapa informed CEDAW about the steps and measures taken by the Government of Nepal towards safeguarding women rights, end discrimination against women and implementable measures for women empowerment.

Speaking in detail about the initiatives, Thapa informed that Nepal Government has enacted 16 laws in support of fundamental rights and freedoms provisions as promulgated by the constitution.

She went on to say that Nepal has made important achievements to institutionalize women’s rights since the time it ratified CEDAW.

“Nepal became a state party to CEDAW when the multiparty system was restored in the country in the early 1990s. We have been making efforts in line with the set principles and spirit of CEDAW since then,” reads Thapa’s statement.

Speaking further on active women participation in national politics, Thapa said, “Women’s representation through election has reached over 40 percent. This level of participation of women at the political and policy making level has set a milestone in the history of women representation in Nepal,”

She spoke on various other issues pertaining to safeguarding of women rights and women empowerment.

See: Full Statement of Tham Maya Thapa to the 71^st CEDAW Session

Another Nepali official, the Ambassador/Permanent Representative Deepak Dhital also highlighted Nepal Government’s initiatives towards social equality, equality, socio-economic empowerment and status enhancement of Nepali women in an inclusive manner.

He said the government is currently reviewing and revisioning the existing laws along with developing new legal frameworks under its federal set-up.

See: Full text of H.E. Deepak Dhital’s Statement to the 71^st CEDAW Session

Other officials including the Joint Secretary of Women Ministry Radhika Aryal and Joint Secretary of Nepali Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Phanindra Gautam also informed the delegates about legal provisions put forth by the Government of Nepal.

Besides participating in interactive sessions, Minister Thapa thanked for a constructive dialogue with the CEDAW Committee and hoped this would help Nepal strengthen its efforts towards promotions and protection of rights of women.

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‘Chhaupadi’ is one such superstitious Nepali tradition that has plagued women for centuries, now.

Chhaupadi is the practice of excluding menstruating women including new-mothers and adolescent girls when they attain puberty. Women and young girls are confined to a cattle-home or makeshift hut (chhaupadi) that lacks ventilation, resources and sanitation.

During the period that lasts anywhere between 5-11 days, women and girls are not allowed to indulge in activity related to their home. This includes touching their household items, touching men, cattle or crops and mainly books as menstruating persons are considered ‘impure’.

Women have been taught from generations that if they come in contact with any of the above, then the following consequences will follow:

• Men will fall ill
• Crop will stop bearing fruit
• Cattle will stop producing milk
• The Goddess of Knowledge, Saraswati will be angered 

Ill Effects & Consequences of Chhaupadi

Chhaupadi inhabitants are at risk of contracting various diseases and sicknesses due to unhygienic conditions. Leave alone illness, women are faced with a threat to their lives as well.

Following are the consequences of Chhaupadi:

• Pneumonia
• Diarrhea
• Attack by Snakes and Other Animals
• Asphyxiation
• Rape
• Carbon Monoxide Poisoning and many more..

 
Cases Reported
Among the innumerable cases reported in Nepal and some ignored, there were some cases that drew serious attention to the ill practice against women. In many instances, women succumbed to asphyxiation or choking on account of lighting a fire for warmth inside the hut, in one incident a young women was exposed to animal attack and in yet another, a woman was found dead in mysterious conditions.

These instances motioned authorities and the government to take action against this cruel practice once and for all.

Stories of Horror

Women have talked about their experiences and challenges while speaking about Chhaupadi. Here are some gripping tales:

“Are you on your period?” my grandmother regularly asked during my visits to Nepal as a teenager. She wanted to know because I would be “unclean” if I was menstruating. I felt a mix of guilt and rebellion every time I lied. And I would always lie so I could sleep in my own bed, go into the kitchen if I was hungry, or watch TV with the rest of my family. Divulging the truth meant the four days of isolation that I saw my aunts and cousins endure.

“Our goth was far away from our home, so the first time I shed blood, a group of boys tried to rape me. Fortunately, a man came to help me and scared them away.”

“My first time was in winter. It was so cold that I had to light a fire to warm myself, but the smoke was so thick and the window so small that I could hardly breathe. So I had to put it out.”

“If a woman goes inside the family’s home during her period, three things will happen. “A tiger will come; the house will catch on fire; and the head of the house will get sick.”

Laws Surrounding Chhaupadi

There have been numerous steps taken by Nepal in abolishing this practice. However, owing to its roots growing deep in tradition, Chhaupadi is still a very much prevalent gender-based and social evil. Let’s take a look at some of the laws introduced to abolish Chhaupadi

• Supreme Court Outlaws Chhaupadi in 2005

In 2005, the Nepal Supreme Court passed a law that criminalized the cruel practice of Chhaupadi.

The law mandates anyone enforcing the custom will be subjected to three months imprisonment along with a fine worth NPR 3,000.

However, the law crumbled and failed to bring about the expected outcomes due to lack of a supporting legislation. Chhaupadi continued to flourish and this time practiced with more fervor in Nepal’s mid and far-western regions with close to 95 percent girls and women still facing the concern.

• Law Punishing People Forcing Women to Practice Chhaupadi in 2017

In 2017 the Nepal Government passed a new law that targeted ending the practice of excluding menstruating women. 

The law managed to reinforce the punishment stipulated by to the 2005 Supreme Court ruling. Deaths of three women between 2016-17 brought about the much-need law concerning Chhaupadi.

• Introduction of the Civil Code in 2018

Nepal’s new civil code and the criminal code came into being on August 17, 2018. The new codes were received among mixed reactions. However, the major provisions included serious actions against Chhaupadi practitioners.

The new laws completely ban Chhaupadi and make practitioners liable for an imprisonment of three months or a fine of NPR 3,000 or both. It has been declared as a criminal act.

Solutions Towards the Abolition Of Chhaupadi in Nepal

Although the act has been criminalized, the problem doesn’t end. It is a known fact that governed by a traditional mindset and with values rooted back in time, Nepalis still continue to follow such practices in places, especially where education is limited and laws are not strictly enforced.

To completely get rid of this practice it is essential that people are educated, made aware of its harmful consequences and understand the role of parents & society.

A three-point strategy outlined by Tribhuvan University English Professor & Brookings Institute Echidna Global Scholar Ganga Gautam address this concern effectively and in a step-wise manner:

• Empowering girls with menstrual health knowledge
• Increasing parental support
• Ensuring a supportive school environment

Nepali Women for a Better Society

Women like Sangita BK, Sajana Bhadel, Nilam Karki Niharika and a number of NGOs are working hard to changes the face of traditional Nepal. Their awareness programs, education at school level and parental guidance are slowly, but steadily making the Nepali community a friendlier and safer girl ecosystem.

It is through their efforts that Nepal has witnessed the change to a certain extent. But the journey is still long, but not impossible.  Let’s pledge to make Nepal a safer place for its women!

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Seems the #MeToo heat waves have spread to Nepal too going by the increasing number of Nepali women taking on to social media to share their sad stories witnessed over the period!

While some of them are reluctant to show their identity, some have already begun voicing their concerns on their own social media profiles!

Here are some of them from different walks of life who joined #MeTooNepal:

The above tweets by women from diverse backgrounds show the intensity of #MeTooNepal. A movement of this kind matters a lot for Nepal at this juncture when the country is witnessing various illicit acts against women. Besides, the government has also started taking serious measures against those involving in such activities against women, the most recent being the strict ban on online pornography!

Let’s see what more in the offing from Nepal for the protection of women rights!

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Towards this end, the government has ordered strict ban on displaying of porn sites across the country and has even banned many in the first week of October 2018.

Continuing its ire against such sites, Nepal Government has so far called for a shutdown of more than 21,000 sites that are displaying porn content, informed the Nepal Telecom Authority (NTA).

NTA has been acting on the direction of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology to ban distribution, sharing and broadcasting of such content through any medium, and the latest update on 21,000 sites is one in that direction.

As per the reports, Nepal has around 100 Internet Service Providers (ISPs) operating in the country.

While the government started crack-down of such sites, the Internet Association of Nepal had earlier commented that the government should instead focus on prosecuting the accused found to be involved in rape and other violence cases against women, locally.

NTA began its mission of banning such sites starting from September 24, 2018 in line with the government directives.

Will have to wait and watch how many more such illicit sites will come under NTA scan!

Its noteworthy here that Nepal Government’s decision gains special importance in view of the ongoing #MeToo campaign against violence and other illicit acts concerning women, globally.

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