The DHS Program

Women's Empowerment and Spousal Violence in Relation to Health Outcomes in Nepal (English) 

Document Type

Further Analysis

Publication Topic(s)

Domestic Violence, Gender

Country(s)

Nepal

Survey

Nepal DHS, 2011

Language

English

Recommended Citation

Tuladhar, Sabita, Kabi Raj Khanal, Lila K.C., Paban Kumar Ghimire, and Karuna Onta. 2013. Women's Empowerment and Spousal Violence in Relation to Health Outcomes in Nepal: Further Analysis of the 2011 Nepal Demographic and Health Survey. DHS Further Analysis Reports No. 77. Calverton, Maryland, USA: Nepal Ministry of Health and Population, New ERA, and ICF International.

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Publication Date

March 2013

Publication ID

FA77

Abstract:

Empowering women and addressing gender-based discrimination are key elements of the development agenda of the Nepal government and integral to achieving the Millennium Development Goals. Spousal violence is one of the forms of gender-based violence prevalent in Nepal. The objective of this study is to understand women’s empowerment and spousal violence in relation to health outcomes of women and their children. The study analyzed data on 3,084 currently married women age 15- 49 from the 2011 Nepal Demographic and Health Survey. A composite Women’s Empowerment Index (WEI) was developed that included five variables: i) household decision-making, ii) ownership of land or house, iii) membership in community group, iv) proportion earning cash, and v) women’s education. The WEI classified women into three empowerment levels, whereby 17, 48, and 35 percent of married women were in high, moderate, and low empowerment levels, respectively. Variations in women’s empowerment were distinct by age, caste/ethnicity, and wealth quintile. Less empowered women and women who had experienced spousal violence were more likely to have anemic children. Children of women who had experienced spousal violence had lower odds of being immunized, even after adjusting for related factors. These findings suggest that women’s empowerment and spousal violence appear to have important implications for the health of women and their children. It is recommended that a holistic approach to improving the health of women and children in Nepal incorporate multi-sectoral programming to promote women’s empowerment and reduce gender-based violence.