Empowering Women Survivors of Gender-Based Violence: Stories of Strength and Hope

Dikshya (pseudonym) endured years of physical and emotional violence after giving birth to a daughter. "Having an alcoholic husband ruined my life," she recalled. 

The abuse she faced during her first pregnancy tragically led to the death of her unborn child. Despite repeated counseling sessions, her husband never changed, and Dikshya began losing hope for a better future for herself and her child.

Her thoughts changed when she visited a health center for her daughter’s vaccination. There, she learned about the One-Stop Crisis Management Center (OCMC) and Safe House services, as well as the various forms of gender-based violence (GBV). Realizing that the abuse she had normalized was indeed violence, Dikshya decided to seek help at the OCMC.

The counseling she received empowered her to rebuild her life. She was also enrolled in a sewing skills training program to support her journey toward economic independence.

Similarly, Situ (pseudonym) was married at the age of 13 after being raised by her grandparents, who hoped marriage would secure her future. Instead, her life took a tragic turn as her husband subjected her to severe abuse, once nearly beating her to death. Desperate to escape, she sought help at the OCMC, where she was referred to a Safe House.

At the Safe House, Situ joined other GBV survivors in learning sewing skills. "I no longer feel alone. I have a team here, and if I learn well, I can earn for myself," she shared with hope in her voice. Through OCMC's support, she also received critical medical treatment for uterine issues at Dadeldhura Hospital.

Both Dikshya and Situ now dream of opening tailoring businesses to become financially self-reliant.

Janaki Singh, Case Manager and Counselor at OCMC, emphasized the importance of raising awareness about GBV. "Many women believe being beaten by their husbands is normal. We need to educate them that every woman has the right to feel safe," she said.

The OCMC and Safe Houses, supported by UNFPA under the Empowered Women, Prosperous Nepal (EWPN) program, provide crucial support for GBV survivors. Women in these shelters not only receive counseling but are also referred for skill development training, such as tailoring and beauty services.

UNFPA collaborates with UN Women and ILO to link survivors to economic opportunities and market opportunities. This multi-agency effort, under the EWPN program—a joint initiative of the Government of Nepal, the European Union, and the United Nations—aims to empower women like Dikshya and Situ, helping them regain dignity, independence, and a brighter future.