A Day in the Life of a Helpline Worker | Ep 1 | Interrupting Spaces

Trigger Warning // Mentions of sexual assault, violence, and self-harm.

This episode is about reaching out to strangers in moments of distress – when you fear for your life or when you just need someone to talk to. Journalist Sewa Bhattarai brings you the story of Kabita, a helpline worker at the National Women’s Commission Helpline 1145. Kabita’s job entails receiving calls of distress from women, thousands of them, across Nepal who are subjected to different forms of violence every day.

This episode is part of a five-part series, Interrupting Spaces, produced by Boju Bajai in collaboration with the United Nations in Nepal.

Over the next five weeks, we will bring you stories of women who are interrupting and disrupting the spaces and structures around them through their work, their voices, and their presence. You do not want to miss this special series. For new episode updates, please subscribe to Boju Bajai podcast on SoundCloud, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Podcast Addict, CastBox, or wherever you get your podcast.

If you or anyone you know is suffering from gender-based violence, please CALL or SMS at 1145. You can also visit nwchelpline.gov.np to file an online form about your GBV incident.

For psychosocial counseling contact 1145
Or
Transcultural Psychosocial Organization (TPO) Nepal’s toll-free number between 8 am to 6 pm 1660 010 2005
For shelter services contact SAATHI: 9801038482, 9841607846, 9849544950
For child related services contact CWIN Nepal child helpline: 1098
Patan Hospital Helpline for Suicide Prevention: 9813476123
TUTH Suicide Hotline: 9840021600

If you are in need of LEGAL COUNSELLING, contact the following advocates of Legal Aid and Consultancy Center (LACC) and TPO Nepal (for Nuwakot) between 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Adv. Punyashila Dawadi 9841437949
Adv. Shakuntala Basnet 9841644515
Adv. Chandeshwori Tandukar 9841202275
Adv. Anjana Neupane 9860489403
Adv. Garima Pandey (Nuwakot) 9849491538

Credit:
Reported by Sewa Bhattarai.
Sewa is a bilingual journalist based in Nepal, working in radio and print media. Her main reporting focus is gender issues, and her other interests are arts and literature, environment, and rural Nepal. Follow Sewa on Twitter

Edited by Sikuma Rhiannon Rai

Illustrations by Stuti Sharma
Follow Stuti’s work on Instagram

Music by Flekke

Sound design by Phatcowlee

Marketing and Social media:
Rabina Adhikari & Bidhyalaxmi Maharjan (Boju Bajai team)

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