Widows and single women gather in Dharmasthali at the monthly saving credit programme. Photo: Uma Thapa,WHR
Nepal has a strong patriarchal culture in which women are traditionally marginalized and discriminated against at all levels. Women’s social status and position in society are normally determined by patriarchal traditions which uphold the general belief that women are subordinate to men and that women’s roles are confined to the domestic sphere. A woman's situation becomes even worse if she doesn't have a husband and is considered by society to be ill-omen.
In Nepal, a woman who is a widow is discriminated against, abused, harassed and deprived of social and economic rights, including property rights. There are many cases of young widows being vulnerable and victimized - both sexually and emotionally - within the family and in their communities. Religious beliefs, cultural values and social norms further prohibit the young women from taking part in any family or public activities, particularly if they are auspicious ones. According to a national census in 2010, over 86% widows are illiterate and dependent on others. Because of natural disaster, conflict, disease and poverty, the number of young widows is increasing day by day in Nepal.
