Workshop with Policymakers/Stakeholders on Violence against Women Working in the Informal Entertainment Sectors

On 10^th November an interaction/workshop program on violence against women working in the entertainment sector (Cabin restaurants, dance bars, and massage parlors), was organized by Raskha Nepal. The main objective of this program was to set up a platform for the beneficiaries working in the so-called informal entertainment sector to put up their grievances and issues in front of the Policymakers and stakeholders. The discussion was also on how to minimize the violence faced by them in their workplace, in the coming days.

There were about 43 participants in this workshop. Out of this, 15 women were from the entertainment sector also members of Women Union, other guests included representatives from Police Administration,Mr Sarbendra Khanal, SSP of Nepal Police, Inspector from Durbar Marg, Journalists from different media houses, Massage Business Association, Senior Citizens Society, Restaurant Business Association, Human Rights organization (INSEC), Advocate and few office staff members were present.

The program started with the women beneficiaries sharing their various issues that they faced, mostly with the police raids and how their rights had been violated. They also shared how the police had harassed them at their workplace, even if they had followed the standards of their business. Some also shared that how the police had asked them for bribes, taken their photos and threatened them to publicise if they did not pay etc.

Some journalists also shared that the problems of the women working in the entertainment sector has decreased to some extent compared to past years. They also committed to support women in solving their problems. The Chairperson of Raksha Nepal also indicated that support from all stakeholders is necessary to end violence against women.

Similarly, at the end of the program, the SSP of Nepal Police, shared that the problems and issues of the women working in the entertainment sectors are very serious and important and committed to regulate this sector in future within the policies so that all women could enjoy their rights. In short, he also assured to take action against those police working under him if found guilty and if anyone come forward with complains against them. He further thanked Raksha Nepal for organizing such important interactions programs from time to time and bridging the gap between the women beneficiaries and the administration and office bearers.