Transforming lives by tackling harmful social norms in Nepal

Watch a short film in which Puja and Laxman reflect on how Couple Sessions run by expert VSO volunteers helped make their home a more equal place.

“Before I used to think, 'how can I spend my life with this person, but now I wish to be his wife in 7 more lifetimes'”- Puja, after attending VSO led Couples Sessions

One in four women in Nepal experience gender-based violence.

Because of deeply embedded harmful social norms, girls are pulled out of school and forced to marry when they’re still children. Without an education, girls and women are at higher risk of discrimination and gender-based violence.   

Puja unfortunately experienced this first-hand. Her husband, Laxman, believed that a woman’s role is to raise children, cook and clean. He never supported her in day-to-day life. He wouldn’t even feed their children if Puja wasn’t home to care for them, as he believed this wasn’t his role as a man. He didn’t realise how much the unequal family dynamics harmed Puja’s wellbeing and confidence in their marriage.  

Providing hope for women in Nepal.

This is not right or fair. Things had to change. Expert VSO volunteers engaged Puja and Laxman in 10-day Couples Sessions to help improve their relationship. Initially, the couple didn’t know much about gender-based violence. They believed it only involved physical abuse. The sessions helped them understand that marital rape, emotional abuse, and gender-based discrimination are all forms of gender-based violence. This helped Pulham realise how the social norms in Nepal were causing a power imbalance between men and women. He understood how these norms, and he, were causing harm to his wife – and family. 

Attending VSO’s Couple Sessions was a powerful turning point for Puja and Laxman.

Expert VSO volunteers engaged them in exercises and discussions designed to improve their communication skills and relationship. Laxman learned he needed to be a partner Puja could rely on. He realised his equal responsibility in household chores, and this marked a positive fresh start for the couple, with better communication and understanding of each other’s needs. Sharing the responsibilities of their children and wholeheartedly assisting his wife fostered a more balanced and harmonious marriage.    

With support like yours, VSO volunteers can help give women a voice and create a future free of violence.   

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