Global Women's Voices: Share Personal Stories

Min, Nepal

Submitted by: Indira Rana Magar

I was raped when I was just 12 years old. I was raped by my brother in law (sister-in-law’s brother) while I was staying with my half brother and sister in-law. Once my sister-in-law was sick the man came to the house and raped me. I could not tell about the incident to my half brother so I told it to the sister-in-law. But, my sister-in-law told me to keep it secret to defend her brother.

I became pregnant as a result of that rape. My sister in-law then suggested me to take the abortion pills . I did that and succeeded but they called the police and sent me to jail saying that I did it by myself. However, the fact of the matter was my sister-in-law gave me the medicine and I was very young to think of what was right and what was wrong.

Then a case was filed against me and I was defeated in the case. The case was then carried by some newspapers. Then the Prisoners Assistance Nepal (PA Nepal) and some human rights organizations took the case to the appellate court. With their help I win the case and set free on the verdict day.

I have been staying with Indira Rana Magar of PA Nepal since that day. I am scared to go back to my village because I feel that people may hate me. The Family Planning Association of Nepal had decided to give me a job on the very day of verdict.

[This story was told to Indira Rana Magar of founder of PA Nepal by the victim. Indira Rana Magar is the activist working for the such kind of victims. The real name has been kept secret to protect privacy. The story about Min Min has already been carried out by BBC Television and The Boston Sunday Globe World]

updated: 7/2/2004