Married Women Living With Families Biggest Victims of Witch-Hunting: Bihar Survey
A Bihar survey reveals that married women in joint families are the primary victims of witch-hunting violence. Economic progress and leadership roles often trigger accusations, highlighting deep-rooted superstitions and societal inequalities.
Deccan Freedom News
A recent survey in Bihar has uncovered that married women living in joint families are the most frequent victims of witch-hunting-related violence. Conducted by the NGO Nirantar Trust, in collaboration with women's federations, the survey revealed that 83% of such women were unable to shield themselves from such violence despite being married.
The findings debunk the notion that witch-hunting stems solely from illiteracy and superstition. Factors such as economic progress, leadership roles, and deaths caused by malnutrition or illness in communities frequently triggered witchcraft accusations.
The survey, which covered 145 women from 114 villages across 10 districts, revealed that 42% of women faced allegations due to jealousy over improved financial status. Additionally, over half of the victims were women in leadership roles.
Alarmingly, the survey highlighted the brutal forms of violence endured by the victims. Around 78% reported mental harassment, 28% faced social ostracism, and others endured forced consumption of faeces, head-shaving, or sexual violence. Family members and neighbours were the primary perpetrators, with caste and class discrimination further exacerbating the situation.
Activists like Ajay Jaiswal and Mamoni Saikya emphasized the need for nationwide anti-witch-hunting laws. They also called for panchayat-level accountability and awareness campaigns to tackle this deeply entrenched issue.
Lakshmi, an activist involved in the survey, shared harrowing accounts of victims being paraded naked and publicly humiliated. The findings underscore the urgent need for structural reforms, stricter enforcement of laws, and initiatives to address superstitious beliefs perpetuating this violence.
Nirantar Trust advocates for the establishment of witch-hunting prevention committees at the Panchayat level and state helplines to assist victims. These steps, coupled with effective law enforcement, can help eradicate this age-old scourge.
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