Perceptions of sexual violence among internally displaced adolescent women (IDP) due to Nepal's civil conflict, Kathmandu Valley, Nepal

The research explores the perceptions of sexual violence among internally displaced adolescent women, who work in the carpet factories and cabin restaurants of Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. Information is drawn from secondary data analysis of Center for Research on Environment Health and Population Activities, Kathmandu (CREHPA)'s 2006 study “Sexual and reproductive health knowledge, experience and needs of internally displaced adolescents (IDA) in Kathmandu Valley” followed by primary data collection comprising 10 focus group discussions, 7 in-depth interviews of IDP sexual violence victims aged 15-24, and 9 semi-structured interviews with key informants of the IDP community in Kathmandu Valley. The survey found that 1 in 10 young women had experienced some form of sexual violence. Preliminary qualitative data analysis indicate IDP status contributes to a lack of knowledge on sexual violence and a lack of self esteem, in addition to contributing to job insecurity, and other socioeconomic problems that make young women increasingly vulnerable to sexual violence. Furthermore, both quantitative and qualitative data indicate IDP status contributes to sexual violence among unmarried internally displaced adolescents due to a lack of economic options, which was especially found among employees of cabin restaurants, places known for facilitating commercial sex work. Perceptions and attitudes differed significantly among Maoist-managed, unionized factories than un-unionized, privately owned factories. The results suggest the need for advocacy and a range of non-partisan factory and cabin restaurant-based interventions.