Bhotkhola Rural Municipality in Nepal has started new efforts to address gender-based violence (GBV) through community awareness and formal support systems. The municipality, located in the remote Sankhuwasabha district of Koshi Province, is participating in the national campaign “Unite against Digital Violence” as part of the 16 Days of Activism against GBV.
Previously, Bhotkhola lacked official resources or mechanisms for responding to GBV cases. Due to its difficult terrain and limited communication infrastructure, many residents were unaware that GBV is a criminal offense or how to access services. Most incidents occurred within households and were managed by traditional leaders rather than reported to authorities.
“In all GBV cases we hear of, the survivors are women. Most cases take place in households,” said Ridar Siru, the municipality’s GBV Specialist.
“There is a lack of awareness that GBV is a criminal act,” added Sarita Bhote from the Women’s Development Office. “Even when we heard of cases, they rarely came to us.”
Indigenous peoples form 95 percent of Bhotkhola’s population, with women playing key roles in family and agriculture. However, child marriage and intimate partner violence continue despite national laws. Reporting remains low due to social norms and geographical barriers.
To address these challenges, Bhotkhola has partnered with the Institutionalizing Gender Based Violence Response in Nepal (IGBVRN) project. This initiative is run by Nepal’s Ministry of Women, Children and Senior Citizens (MoWCSC) with funding from the World Bank’s State and Peacebuilding Fund. The project aims to improve coordination among police, health workers, judicial representatives, community leaders, educators, and youth through training sessions and awareness campaigns.
“Bhotkhola never had an operational women cell because we did not have the human resource to run it. We learned that we could access resources from the government through our engagement with the IGBVRN project. We are now in the process of institutionally setting up dedicated funds to help GBV survivors,” said Sarita Bhote.
The municipality is introducing several measures for the first time: establishing a municipal fund for GBV survivors; creating referral pathways connecting local support with health and psychosocial services; increasing outreach during community events; holding school sessions; and facilitating dialogues on topics often considered private.
Local officials walked long distances across wards to raise awareness about available services while distributing educational materials at community gatherings. The men’s network against GBV also supported these activities alongside elders and police officers.
The MoWCSC is testing four response models under IGBVRN: mobile clinics for remote areas; safe spaces for survivors; improved case management systems; and a community response model involving local stakeholders. Progress benchmarks include higher reporting rates, increased willingness to seek help, and better access to services even in isolated settlements.
The World Bank supports Nepal's goal to end all forms of gender-based violence nationwide by investing strategically in institutional improvements through projects like IGBVRN.