33rd International 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence Campaign Kicks Off

Kathmandu, Dec 3: The 33rd International 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign commenced on Monday with the national slogan, "Our Commitment: Solidarity Campaign to End Gender-Based Violence," alongside the thematic slogan, "Identifying Women Human Rights Defenders: Campaign Against Violence Against Women."

The annual campaign, from November 25 to December 10, started with a joint rally and exhibition at 7:30 a.m. from Maitighar Mandala. Multiple organizations, including ActionAid Nepal, Women’s Rehabilitation Center (WRC) Nepal, Tarangini, National Campaign for Women’s Rights, and the National Network of Women Human Rights Defenders, jointly hosted an inaugural program at the National News Committee Hall of the National Women’s Commission in Kathmandu.

During the program, participants highlighted concerns over limited access to justice for women affected by violence and emphasized the need to enhance such access.

Renu Shrestha, Women’s Rights Program Manager at ActionAid Nepal, outlined the campaign's purpose, core demands, and collaborative efforts to combat gender-based violence. Similarly, Sunita Mainali, Executive Director of ORAC Nepal, noted that despite constitutional provisions for women’s rights, incidents of violence remain unabated.

The campaign draws attention to the implementation of the Constitution of Nepal 2072, particularly Article 38, and commitments made at the international level. It also demands eliminating discriminatory policies, practices, and values and calls for nationwide initiatives for social transformation.

Throughout the campaign, various programs will be organized by government and non-governmental organizations, including:

Symbolic drama performances
Songs and slogans
Story and poetry readings
Research and analytical discussions on violence
Large public gatherings and seminars
These efforts aim to engage communities and stakeholders in the movement against gender-based violence, promoting justice and equality.