Women in Chitwan rallied against growing incidents of sexual violence across the country on Friday.

The rally was organised in Bharatpur city at the initiative of various women organisations working in the district.

The rally participants also submitted copies of memorandum to Chief District Officer Jitendra Basnet and Bharatpur Mayor Renu Dahal, demanding them assure safety of girls and women.

Meena Kharel, the event coordinator, said one of their chief demands was to introduce harsher punishment for rape.

According to the District Police Office, 11 rape incidents were reported in Chitwan in the past one month. Sixty-six rapes were reported last year.