Women and girls displaced by this year's massive jolts in Nepal are now taking self-defence lessons from police following a rise in reports of sexual harassment.
Nepali women and children have become vulnerable targets of trafficking networks because of widespread unemployment, poverty, and the decade-long Maoist insurgency. The recent earthquakes have worsened the threat, The Guardian reported on Sunday.
"While visiting different camps in Kathmandu, we realised the need for such training so that women can protect themselves," said Tara Thapa, deputy superintendent of police in Nepal.
"Women and children are more vulnerable to sexual violence in this situation. The culprits are looking to take benefits of the situation."
Narayan Singh Khadka, a spokesperson for the Kathmandu metropolitan police, said the classes began after cases of harassment were reported as well as "drunk people entering camps."
The self-defence classes started last week.
"We are teaching them several techniques, including how to kick and punch, as well as various locks. There are some lessons of judo and karate, too," Thapa said. "Even a weak woman can fight against a strong man. This will help them to save themselves."
Bipana Tamang, 24, was one of dozens of women who had gathered at the Boudhanath monastery in Kathmandu for training. From Nuwakot district near Kathmandu, she has been living outside since the earthquake and runs a small restaurant.
"I have faced many cases of harassment while dealing with the customers. These techniques will help me to tackle such problems," she said. "This is the third day and I have learnt how to punch and to kick. Now, I am confident I can fight to save myself."
The police in Nepal are planning to start similar classes in some other camps in Kathmandu.
"We are receiving overwhelming response from the people," said Khadka.
Over 8,700 were killed in the two major quakes that hit Nepal on April 25 and May 12. Almost half a million houses were destroyed, displacing thousands who were left with no choice but to camp out in the open.
