Nepal, June 27 -- A few months ago, a young woman posted a harrowing video on Facebook explaining how a man had harassed her on a public bus she took from Thimi, Bhaktapur, on her way home from college. The bus was overcrowded, as is often the case with most public buses in Nepal; there is no room to breathe, let alone sit freely without hassle. As someone who commutes on public buses daily, I could relate to her. It reminded me of the pang of fear that hits me every time I board a bus, no matter where in the country I am. Leering looks, groping, harassment and discomfort are among the many things that cross my mind. What hurts me even more is knowing that countless other women share the same feeling.

According to a report published in t...