Back at her parents house, Sapkota hopes to get a job to support herself. But I want my husband to return my dowry so I can ensure support for my child. Seated in the two-room office of the Women's Rights Helpline Centre in Kathmandu, she waits patiently as the Centre's three staff lawyers counsel other clients. On the phone, nearby, a Helpline counselor encourages a caller to share her problem. Since Jan. 1, when the ad was aired on local FM stations, the Centre's been flooded with calls.
People call with numerous queries.
Most are related to domestic violence, bigamy, and divorce. Women callers remain anonymous while receiving free preliminary legal advice from staff attorneys and phone counselors. Callers may then make use of the free mediation services and legal representation by scheduling a visit to the Helpline office. Sapkota made a two-hour bus journey to the Center. Many women don't have access to a phone.