Women and girls experience various forms of violence and harassment in public spaces in Nepal, from staring and leering to stalking and sexual assault. Based on a survey in four districts, it highlighted that over 50 percent of women felt highly unsafe in public places, during both quiet and busy times of the day, limiting their use of public services, with restrictive mobility under constant precautions to navigate their daily lives. To highlight the issues at the local level, Lamkichuha municipality marked December 6, 2024, to fight against the gender-based violence and observe a day marked by courage, strength, and a resounding message: fear will no longer dictate their paths.
On this day, over 60 girls from local schools and female teachers gathered for a self-defense training session designed to provide safety, boost confidence, and inspire lasting change in the community. The event was organized by Cities4Women (C4W), a project funded by USAID and the EU, and implemented by UN-Habitat, UNOPS, and Cities Alliance in close partnership with the Lamkichuha municipality.
Gayatri Dhakal, a student from Jana Jagriti Ma Bi, shared her experiences underscoring the need for the training event: “On my way to attend tuition classes in the evening, I have to pass through a forested section, often alone. There have been two instances where I have been followed by boys on drugs. I have never been so scared in my life…”
The event was key part of the ongoing 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, an internationally recognized moment to call for an end to violence against women, November 25 through December 10. The self defense training highlighted the importance of gender equality while providing practical tools for self-protection. The day began with powerful speeches from local leaders, emphasizing the shared responsibility to eliminate gender-based violence and create safer, more inclusive communities.
The event’s highlight was the self-defense training led by Mr. Tika Ram Bajgain of the Nepal Full Contact Karate Federation. National martial artists Mr. Dipesh Thapa and Mr. Dipendra Batala later joined to demonstrate techniques, which students and teachers eagerly practiced, filling the room with energy and determination.
For Sabita Dhamala, a student from Shree Jana Sewa Ma Bi, the training was eye-opening. "Women and girls aren’t safe in open spaces," she reflected. "We need to learn how to protect ourselves. I’ll teach my friends and family these skills."
Krishnaa Sanjyal, a teacher at Shree Janata Ma Bi, stressed the need to expand such training. "Self-defense isn’t just about fighting — it’s about empowerment. Men can be victims too, and they should be trained as well," she noted.
Mayor Shahi pledged to extend these sessions to all schools in Lamkichuha, with Deputy Mayor Juna Chaudhary underscoring their role in promoting respect, equality, and community solidarity.
More than martial arts skills, the training left girls with a renewed sense of strength and agency. Empowered by the experience, they embraced their role as change agents committed to building a safer, more equal community.
This effort is part of UN-Habitat’s Cities 4 Women project, which aims to create inclusive, climate-resilient urban spaces where women and girls can thrive free from violence.