Women accused of witchcraft in Nepal are often tortured and beaten by their own community. Human rights activists have been trying to stop the persecution but they say current legislation is too weak and is not helping.
It is thought that about four women are abused every month, having their heads shaved and being beaten and bound.Women’s rights activists have been battling for decades to end this form of gender violence but the problem persists, especially in the Terai region, the southern fertile plains of the country, they say. According to documented case studies by women’s rights groups, the elderly, widows, or extremely poor are often singled out as witches. In addition, many are of low caste.
