This newsletter provides an account of the experiences noted by ‘Displacement narrators’ in Wards in Morang which is part of the Biratnagar Municipality of Nepal. The displacement narrators share insights related to major changes and events in the community context, reflecting on environmental factors and issues of emotional wellbeing and how these various changes contribute positively and negatively to women’s experience of violence.
Professor Tamsin Bradley, University of Portsmouth
Key issues among communities
Following the lockdowns from April to May, and August to September, the Covid-19 pandemic was more under control by November. Although the lockdown was still in effect there were declining numbers of cases and activities getting back to closer to normal. In December some Schools and Colleges reopened and transport and markets were operating as normal. However, there is a need for better facilities for those who are affected by Coronavirus and for improved reporting on cases and deaths. In the community, there is also a stigma attached to having been affected by Covid.
A sixteen-day activism campaign on violence against women took place and many events were carried out by a range of groups and organisations.
The Chhath a very important festival in the southern part of the country was celebrated this month. This is celebrated for a few days by fasting and worshipping the sun and the goddess. In order to follow Covid-19 protocols, some people worshipped in their home while others worshipped at nearby ponds and lakes.
Although the schools are operating in line with protocols established by the Ministry of Health the reopening is introducing new health risks, and in January it was noted that the numbers of students have decreased compared to before the pandemic. Unemployment issues also continue with more loss of jobs and following the dissolution of parliament there is political instability and discrimination.
Alcohol consumption, playing cards, and gambling continue to cause problems within the community. In the Dalit (Mushar) community of Ward 19 both women and men consume alcohol and according to one of the narrators ‘this always leads to general quarrelling’.
Environmental conditions
In November the weather generally improved, but people living in crowded communities are remaining cautious and disposing of water according to the guidance provided by metropolitan authorities. Many crops ripened in December but due to lack of supply of compost manure problems have arisen and some land has been left empty.
The colder weather that came in January has created an unemployment problem in Ward No 19, and the community are having to use fires in the mornings and evenings to avoid the cold. Farmers have now completed the irrigation work in the wheat and maize fields.
COVID situation
Although the pandemic was still impacting people from all backgrounds in November there is an improvement noted in the situation. Essential stores such as food shops and pharmacies are now open as well as ATM services, though many people can’t access such services.
Despite all these problems, a slight positive change in the psychology of people has been seen. A Subedi family of Biratnagar metropolitan ward no.8 helped the government by making their own house an isolation place for those affected by the virus. A few days ago, one of their family members tested positive for Coronavirus. After the result was confirmed, the patient was brought back to the house and was isolated there
In homes and local markets, people are becoming less likely to follow social distancing rules but are wearing masks when they go outside. Many in the community (an estimated 60%) think that using hot water, basil and turmeric can be a cure for Covid-19 so there is a big need for people to understand that if there are complications then they should consult doctors immediately.
Some political leaders have tested positive in Ward No.19 and are home quarantining and their health condition is improving. Isolation wards have been created and around 350 people are in these wards.
In December there was less talk of Covid although two people tested positive this month. People are now more mobile and not following social distancing. Crowds are increasing and people are seen moving around without masks.
Mental health and wellbeing
Whilst the ongoing news about the pandemic continued to cause a level of anxiety there were no cases of mental health issues observed during this quarter, and people have become generally aware of how to avoid Covid-19. Some behavioural changes such as using two wallets to keep cash from different sources have been noted.
There is a range of wellbeing services being provided including psychological counselling. There was free medicine distribution after Covid treatment, support for new mothers, newborns, children, and pregnant women, vaccines for newborn babies and toddlers, polio drops, and awareness programmes related to sanitation and cleanliness. However, one narrator noted that there had been a lack of vaccines for newborn babies at health posts, and this had meant that new mothers were having to make long journeys to get their babies vaccinated.
There was a wave of colds which is very common in the southern part of Nepal during the winter.
Gender issues and incidents of violence
During November, many women were stuck in their homes and unemployed due to the ongoing lockdown. Gender discrimination and inequality increased a lot, with income from then males typically being the source and this was not regular income due to the lack of job opportunities. Some women were able to do work to gain some income to run the household, despite also having to do regular housework, but as the narrator reports this can create new challenges:
A group of 3 women who are waste collectors is frequently interrogated on why they are coming to work even in the lockdown situation without following the lockdown rules. They have mouths to feed and even though they have a high fear of covid they are coming and working. Sometimes they are also treated as carriers of infection by people who scold them.
Some discussion took place at the Ward Level in December relating to the large and discriminatory wage difference between male and female labourers. During this month there were no reports of violence against women being observed and many programmes and awareness-raising events related to ending GBV were conducted.
One resident of Morang Mimlagunj rural municipality was murdered during the month and whilst this was not a GBV case it has led to violence and fear among people similar to how it was during the internal armed conflict period. The Communist Party of Nepal has taken responsibility for this. A rebel group claimed the murdered teacher was spying against the party and demanded Rs 10,000 from him. They only received Rs 5,000 and this resulted in his murder.
In January a total of 35 participants, who are peoples’ representative members of the Biratnagar Metropolitan City, received training on gender equality and social inclusion mainstreaming under the state and local governance support program (LGSP). After receiving the training, the participants have committed to conduct LGSPs in their respective wards.
A case drawn to the attention of one of the narrators concerned a married woman of 42 years old who is in an inter-caste marriage and has two children. Despite her age, she is expected to wait on her in-laws and serve them food before eating. According to her sister, she was detained, tortured, and kept at home. The narrator could not speak to her, as her phone had apparently been broken by her husband. The narrator reflected that many women become victims of violence and face this situation.
A complaint was also been reported at the District level where the legal action was taken by the eldest wife against the husband and the youngest wife on the grounds of polygamy after the husband brought the youngest wife home while the eldest wife and two sons were there. The youngest wife was placed in the district women’s cell for two days.
Support received from the government and other agencies
In November, the Rotary Club in Biratnagar supported hospitals and local government with mask distribution, and the local government also decided to give an allowance to those who are working on the frontline as a form of appreciation. It was not been confirmed whether this had been implemented. No support from the government or other organisations was noted in relation to the increasing unemployment.
In December and January, the Red Cross provided aid to 40 families in need from among the Rishidev community. In a further positive development Province 1 has agreed to give 100,000 people ‘Lalpurja’ which is a land document. With this document, many poor families will be able to have a small piece of land for their housing. This programme has already started in different places in Biratnagar (urabari, patharari sanechare, belbari, rangeli letang, kanepokhari, and miklajung rural municipality).
Acting on the initiative of the Development Minister, local government support and shelter has been provided to 66 street people. And they now have shelter in Biratnagar wards 3 and 10. The focus now is on providing them with housing and healthcare, and they have some cash deposited in the bank.
That’s all for now
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