Take her back

As a large chunk of the society, it should protect women who are harassed, tortured and tormented by men. Support and care must be provided to women and young girls who become rape victims. But, reportedly, in Kaillali a student who was raped by her father’s friend was expelled from her school. The Durga Higher Secondary School management has firmly refused to take the girl back stating that the school does not want to “corrupt” its other 2,500 students by letting a “deflowered girl” join the school.



After repeated pleas from the girl’s family and some non-governmental organizations, the principal has half-heartedly said she may appear for her ninth grade final exam starting this Friday. Much to her woes, she got pregnant as a result of the rape.



It is outrageous that a 14-years old girl who has recently been traumatized and abused to the zenith should be treated and looked down upon by the school and the authorities. Already she has suffered enough mentally and physically and has been discarded by her own school community. She is a mother of a three-month old baby boy now, the truth which she was forced to hide from her own parents until recently fearing social ostracism.



The school accused her of “moral misconduct” for hiding the truth. In punishing her by expelling her, the school authorities have proved that they are a part of the same age-old patriarchal society which treats women as inferior beings. This girl should not be made to pay for being a victim and a mistake she did not commit in the first place. The principal should realize that it is her life and future that is at stake.



Society should be bold when it comes to advancement of women and respect for their rights. It is ludicrous even to imagine that this teenager has lost her right to education just because she was raped by one insane man. While justice still eludes the majority of rape victims in Nepal, it is the attitude and mentality of the people which seems unchanged even in 21st century.



Change of mindset is the need of the hour, especially the outlook of society toward the women victims must change. The school should take her back and set an example in the society. Instead of ostracizing her, the teachers should actually help her to overcome her fears and trauma and guide her toward a bright future for herself and her child.

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