For many women in Nepal, public transport remains a space of fear

A recent emotional video shared by a young woman detailing harassment on a public bus has sparked significant discussion in Nepal, highlighting the persistent fear many women experience while using public transport.

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I feel like cutting off my breasts.

The woman described being repeatedly touched and stroked by a man beside her on her way home from college, an experience that left her feeling devastated. When she confronted him, he denied wrongdoing and reacted aggressively. Despite the crowded microbus, no other passengers intervened, acting as passive spectators to her distress. This incident, sadly, is a familiar narrative for many women in Nepal who regularly face harassment during their daily commutes.

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Even now, remembering that incident frightens me. Since that day, I have never travelled alone on a public vehicle.

Reporting such incidents to the police is rare. Women often refrain from filing complaints due to fear of social stigma, the complexities of legal procedures, and a societal tendency to blame victims. Chanda Kumari Chaudhary, who is visually impaired, shared a disturbing experience from a year ago that now prevents her from traveling alone on public vehicles. She recounted how a man, after joking about being disabled, began touching her inappropriately, leading her to slap him. While other passengers eventually forced the man off the bus, Chaudhary expressed the immediate fear and confusion such encounters provoke.

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A man nearby kept joking that he was also disabled. I thought nothing of it at first. Later he began touching and holding my hand inappropriately. I felt uncomfortable and slapped him twice.

Parbati Saud also recounted a similar experience, where a man repeatedly stared and nudged her with his elbow. She confronted him, and he exited the vehicle at another stop. Saud only later realized she could have reported the incident. These accounts underscore the daily reality for many women. While the Nepal Police have initiated awareness programs like the Safety Pin Campaign, officials concede that harassment on public transport remains a pervasive issue.

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When someone suddenly touches you with bad intentions, you become frightened and confused. For a moment, you do not even know how to react.