Ncell Foundation and Zonta conclude transformative 16 Days of Activism Campaign Against Gender-Based Violence

KATHMANDU: Ncell Foundation, in collaboration with Zonta Club, successfully wrapped up the impactful 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) campaign. The initiative featured a series of dynamic activities aimed at raising awareness and inspiring collective action to combat GBV.

The campaign, which ran from November 25 to December 10, culminated in a thought-provoking panel discussion during the closing ceremony.

The campaign began with the launch of an insightful booklet, “Legal Provisions Related to Child Marriage, Domestic Violence & Women’s Rights”, on November 25. This educational tool aims to inform communities and stakeholders about the legal provisions in Nepal addressing child marriage, domestic violence, and women’s rights. The event brought together leaders from women-led organizations, the private sector, and other key stakeholders to discuss collective solutions to end child marriage in Nepal.

Building on this momentum, Ncell Foundation, Saathi, and Zonta Club launched the Orange the Schools campaign, a collaborative effort to advance their shared commitment to ending GBV. Held from November 26 to December 10, the initiative engaged over 1,700 students across 12 government and private schools in the Kathmandu Valley. The campaign aimed to raise awareness about GBV, harmful practices such as child marriage, cyberbullying, and the importance of creating safe and equitable environments.

Through interactive presentations, video screenings, and discussions, experts from Ncell, Zonta Club, and Saathi engaged students and teachers to foster understanding and advocacy. Topics covered included child marriage, cyber security, and domestic violence. These sessions facilitated meaningful conversations and inspired active participation in efforts to end GBV.

The campaign’s closing event featured distinguished guests, including Ms. Manjali Shakya Bajracharya, Deputy Mayor of Lalitpur Metropolitan City, and Ms. Phul Kumari Paudel, Assistant General of Police, Armed Police Force. A panel discussion on the theme ‘Addressing the Interconnected Challenges of Gender Inequality, Climate Change, and Violence Against Women’ highlighted innovative strategies to address these critical issues.

Moderated by Ms. Soni Joshi, Chair of the District 25 Committee of Zonta International (encompassing Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh), the panel featured notable speakers such as Ms. Bishakha Lakshmi Khadka, Head of Corporate Communications and CSR at Ncell; Mr. Amun Thapa, CEO of Khaalisisi; Ms. Sulakshana Rana from Saathi; Ms. Mandira Shrestha from ICIMOD; and Ms. Juhi Adhikari from UNESCO. Discussions emphasized the importance of collaborative solutions to tackle gender inequality and combat climate change’s impact on vulnerable populations.

Reflecting on the campaign, Ms. Bishakha Lakshmi Khadka remarked, “This campaign is a testament to the power of collaboration in creating meaningful change. By engaging diverse stakeholders and empowering young voices, we have taken significant steps toward a future free of gender-based violence.”

President of the Zonta Club Kathmandu, Ms. Bina Rana, emphasized the urgency of collective action against gender-based violence, child marriage, and their links to climate change. She highlighted the success of the 16 Days of Activism campaign, noting that the Orange the School initiative, supported by Ncell Foundation and Saathi, reached over 1,500 students across 12 schools, raising awareness on gender-based violence, child marriage, and cyber safety.

The 16 Days of Activism campaign driven by Ncell Foundation and Zonta Club has set a strong precedent for community-driven efforts to combat GBV. By blending education, advocacy, and collaboration, the initiative not only raised awareness but also inspired action, leaving a lasting impact on participants and stakeholders alike.