Prevalence of Sexual Harassment in Public Transportation Among Female Students of a Public College at Bharatpur, Nepal

Abstract

Background: Sexual harassment in public transportation has been recognized as a worldwide serious problem, particularly among women. However, the exact figure of the sexual harassment in transit places is still unknown. Therefore, this study aims to identify the prevalence of sexual harassment in public transportation among the female students of a public college at Bharatpur. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study consisted of 196 female students who studied in the 12th standard of various academic streams of Saptagandaki Multiple Campus of Bharatpur. Stratified proportionate random sampling technique was used for selection of the desired sample. Structured questionnaire was used and data was collected from 2076/ 03/15 B.S to 2076/03/27 B.S through web - based survey. Data analysis was performed in SPSS version 20 for window using descriptive statistics. Results: Majority, i.e. 82.1% of the respondents experienced sexual harassment in public transportation of which 85.1% experienced verbal harassment followed by physical harassment (80.1%) and non- verbal harassment (70.8%). Male passengers were the main perpetrators involved in physical (82.8%), verbal (75.2%) and non- verbal harassment (81.6%). Furthermore, the study revealed that the highest (96.3%) of the participants did not file the complaint because of fear. Conclusions: Sexual harassment in public transportation was found to be significantly higher in female students. Therefore, government and concerned authorities need to adopt zero tolerance rules, regulation ad policies towards any form of sexual harassment in public spaces.

Sexual Harassment and its Effects in Nepalese Society - A Systematic Review

“…To address the issue in Nepalese society, it may be necessary to shift victim-blaming attitudes as well as raise awareness of how to identify and respond to various forms of harassment. (Wagle et al, 2022) The majority of respondents, 82.1%, reported having encountered sexual harassment on public transit, with verbal harassment accounting for 85.1% of these incidents, followed by physical harassment (80.1%) and non-verbal harassment (70.8%). Male passengers accounted for the majority of those who engaged in verbal (75.2%), non-verbal (81.6%), and physical harassment (82.8%).…”

“…Geographically the systematic paper review were included in various study areas, i.e. seven from Kathmandu (Bhatta et al, 2021, Gautam et al,2019, Khanal & Paudel, 2022, Paudel, 2022, Pandey et al, 2022, Sharma et al, 2022and Thapalia et al, 2019 valley, two from Lalitpur and Rupendehi (Gyawali, 2020 andGyawali, 2021), and each one from Nawalparasi, (Gyawali & Maharjan, 2022), Lalitpur (Dawadi et al, 2022, and Bharatpur (Wagle et al, 2022) respectively.…”

“…The systematic review analyzed studies on female, girl, and women's experiences, knowledge, and perceptions of SH in various fields and common places. Seven papers focused on SH in traveling, school premises, and common places (Bhatta et al, 2021;Gautam et al, 2019;Gyawali, 2020;Pandey et al, 2022;Sharma et al, 2022;Thapalia et al, 2019;Wagle et al, 2022). Two studies were in the context of mental health issues (Gyawali, 2021) and (Gyawali & Maharjan, 2022).…”

A Cross-Sectional Study of Marital Women’s Violence in Rural Nepal

“…The Living Standard Survey defines domestic violence as mostly related to unsocial erotic activities that are forcefully indulged by someone without obtaining consent. The degree of such misbehavior is not limited to only respectful kisses, touching, and hugs (Wagle et al, 2022). Bullying of married women in Nepal is most common during kissing.…”

“…Bullying of married women in Nepal is most common during kissing. According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, the abuse of medications or chemicals is further probable to initiate in adulthood (Wagle et al, 2022). Such chemicals comprise, the leaves and smoke of tobacco (Surti in the Nepali language), banned drugs and capsules, and prohibited medications.…”