Kathmandu, March 9 Secretary at the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Welfare Madhu Prasad Regmi today underscored the need for ordinary citizens to work together with the government in eliminating gender-based violence. Speaking at an interaction organised by SAATHI to launch AASTHA project today, Secretary Regmi said, 'Only the government’s efforts will not be enough to address the issue of gender-based violence. Civil society as well as each and every individual should work together or independently to ensure the objective of planet 50-50 envisioned by the UN Sustainable Development Goal,' he added. Bandana Rana, strategic director at SAATHI, said change is possible and should start at home. She opined that government and civil society should work together to eliminate gender-based violence. During panel discussion, Gynendra Malla, vice-captain of the National Cricket Team, said ensuring education for all would be instrumental in bringing about changes in people’s behaviors and perception towards women. Television personality Suraj Singh Thakuri wondered why gender-based violence was not considered a punitive offence, saying most of such cases forcibly ended in a compromise. Nabina Lama, chairperson, All Nepal National Free Student’s Union, shared her own experience of being discriminated against in school. Nirmala Gyawali, a visually-impaired woman, said differently-abled women and girls were more vulnerable to sexual violence and social discrimination. Sharing her bitter experience while growing up as a girl in remote village in Gulmi district, she said mere education will not bring about transformation in society. 'To bring about transformation in society, every individual should do away with their traditional thinking regarding gender stereotypes,' she said. Motivational youth speaker Saunak Bhatta underlined that even male were the victims of the patriarchal setup of our society.