Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Kathmandu (Fides Service) - For centuries women in Nepal have been victims of a rigid social system of castes and classes which still exists in rural areas and villages. In 1992 on 8 March to stop sexual abuse of women in the poorest and most backward parts of Kathmandu and surrounding area and give voice to thousands of invisible mainstay workers behind Nepalese economy and society a group of Nepalese women formed the association Women Acting Together for Change (WATCH).
Today WATCH has become a major NGO active in three regions Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Terai and in various other districts. Beneficiaries include girls rescued from prostitution racket, women with HIV/AIDS, hundreds of low caste peasant women.
AIFO (anti-leprosy organisation Amici di Raul Foillerau) WATCH director in Nepal launched an appeal for aid following recent two weeks of vicious fighting between troops loyal to King Gyanendra and opposition parties including the Maoist Rebels in which thousands of people have been seriously wounded. Hospitals in Nepal are filled with the injured in need of blood transfusions, medicine and other aid. The situation is critical and WATCH presence is determinant because it opposes any sort of brutality, abuse, repression, dictatorship, sacking
Fighting between the Maoists and the Nepalese government started in 1996. To repress the movement King Gyanendra took a hard line. At present the central part of the country is controlled by the King and the rural areas are under the rebels. Both parties have committed homicide in the numerous conflicts. Two peace agreements were signed but both failed, so far dialogue has not been constructive. All the areas in which WATCH is present are under Maoist influence. (AP) (21/4/2006 Agenzia Fides; Righe:29; Parole:391)
