Kathmandu (The Kathmandu Post/ANN)- A steep rise in the number of suicides by adolescent girls in Kathmandu in the last 18 months has reinforced the perception that women still remain psychologically and emotionally suppressed in our society.
Nine out of 10 suicide cases in the period were committed by girls. All these children are said to have hanged themselves.
"Six Circles under the Metropolitan Police Range never recorded such an increase in suicide cases before," said an official at the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Branch.
Dhiraj Pratap Singh, spokesman for the Metropolitan Police Range, Hanumandhoka, said girls committed 90 percent of total child suicide cases in Kathmandu. This fact, he said, hints that society's perception toward girls remains the same in many ways.
"Besides, our investigation shows quarrels among parents, harsh treatment, lack of care and love, unrequited romantic ideals, and other traumatic psychological conditions are to blame for the situation," said Singh.
According to him, in one case, Pabitra Sherpa, 13, of Swoyambhu killed herself after failing an exam. On the other hand, her brother, who also was a failure, was not that hopeless. "Even fourth grade girls are committing suicide," he added.
The case of Simran KC of Kalanki shows how terrible the situation has got. The cause of suicide by the seven-year-old is unknown. Sociologist Raju KC attributes the outlook of society toward females as its main cause. "The more liberal a society becomes, the more the chances of suicide there remain. Personal background plays an equally important role in children. See the record of a Muslim nation, you will find it low," he said.
Among boys, the problem is not severe. In the two-year period, only one case of juvenile male suicide was reported to the police. The self-killer was David Dulal, 7, of KMC 35.
"Depression and frustration force a child to do so," said Dr Dhurba Man Shrestha, a psychiatrist and professor at Nepal Medical College. "Family's harsh treatment to a girl child, tough academic competition and poverty leave no choice for a minor. We have to raise awareness and encourage love."
According to experts, the patriarchal social structure and poverty left girls suppressed in several ways. Women are more prone to suicide than men given cultural and social factors. Nevertheless, worldwide data shows more men have killed themselves than women.
It is said that nearly 11 people commit suicide in Nepal everyday.
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