To mark the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, UNI Nepal Women Committee has initiated an awareness campaign at the school level. Bhagwati Khadka, the president of UNI Nepal Women Committee, emphasized the significance of creating awareness at the school level, stating, “It is instrumental to change the traditional mindset at an early stage to mitigate gender disparity, gender violence, and discrimination, eventually making our society truly inclusive and safe.”
The aim of the campaign is to raise awareness against gender-based violence and promote a culture of respect and equality. The campaign began at Padmakanya Bidhyashram Secondary School, an all-girls school established in 1948, which can be claimed among the oldest in the region (if not the world) that is dedicated to promoting female education.
During the session, the focus was on defining gender-based violence, identifying its various forms, and understanding the impact of gender-based violence, abuse via social media, and cyberbullying. The following day, the campaign moved to Viswa Niketan Secondary School, a co-ed school. The discussion included the role of boys in minimizing gender disparity and violence. Students were also taught how to seek help in case they experience or witness abuse, discrimination, and violence.
While the campaign was well-received, students from Padmakanya expressed a desire for more discussion about third-gender people, as the initial focus was primarily on male and female violence and discrimination, considering their age. This feedback served as a valuable lesson for the committee for future endeavors.
Girls from class 7 to 10 in Padmakanya actively participated in the campaign, while students from class 9-10 took part in the Viswa Niketan School session. Alok Malla, UNI Nepal coordinator, along with UNI Nepal Women Committee President Bhagwati Khadka, Secretary Rojila Basnet, Organizer and former UNI Nepal Youth Vice President Pratima Bhatta, and UNI Nepal Youth Committee Member Abhash Adhikari served as resource persons for the campaign.
The UNI NLC Women Committee remains committed to continuing its awareness campaign at other schools in Kathmandu. The committee believes that education is key to preventing gender-based violence and that by raising awareness among young people, they can contribute to creating a more just and equitable society.