By A Staff Reporter
Kathmandu, Nov. 28: Survivours of gender-based violence and gender rights activists in Nepal have called for inclusive approaches and comprehensive reforms to eliminate gender-based violence prioritising the most marginalised women and girls. On the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and start of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence, survivors, gender equality activists and government came together to commit to take action to end gender-based violence.

The event, streamed live from Patan Museum Courtyard on Thursday evening, gave centre stage to the stories of GBV survivours as well as to gender equality activists to present a joint statement calling for inclusive and comprehensive reforms to eliminate gender-based violence.
Jenny Khadka, an acid-attack survivor, emphasized everyone’s role in preventing gender-based violence.

Ashmita Badi, a poet from Surkhet, reiterated how patriarchy stands in the way of a world free of violence.
Sharmila Thapa, nurse and a member of the trade union questioned normalization of GBV at the workplace.

Similarly, Babita Rai, feminist writer, shared her experience about sexual harassment and urged for a world free of violence.
Lastly, Kathak dancer Subima Shrestha portrayed the grief and perseverance of Gauri Bista, a survivour of domestic violence and women’s rights activist from Doti, through her dance in the song written by Bista herself.

Through their stories, the advocates called for urgent action to change discriminatory social norms, policies and laws to prevent gender-based violence.
During the programme, Under-Secretary Ram Hari Sharma from Ministry of Home Affairs, shared that the Ministry has initiated discussions to formulate law related to acid attack as the previous ordinance related to acid attack issued has become ineffective.

Dipti Karki, Deputy Superintendent of Police, also shared her commitments to end violence against women and girls
“Across the globe gender-based violence continues with impunity, survivours’ stories silenced while perpetrators evade justice. Today we say, enough with the silence. Stop the Violence Now,” said Sara Beysolow Nyanti, UN Resident Coordinator, International Development Partner’s Group Co-chair and representing multilateral development partners.

Speaking at the event, Nona Deprez, European Union Ambassador, Development Partner’s Group Co-chair and representing bilateral development partners said, “Ending gender-based violence is non-negotiable. Nepal has worked really hard to have a strong legal framework to combat GBV, which is a real achievement but there is still so much work to be done. It is important to break the cycle of violence”. Wrapping up the commemoration event, the UN Country Team lit up Patan Durbar Square Museum and Dharahara in orange, the official colour of the UNiTE campaign that symbolises hope and a country free of violence.