Kathmandu, November 19 Dozens of young rights activists today celebrated the International Men’s Day, decrying adverse effect of patriarchy on men and expressing solidarity with movements on Violence Against Women. This year’s slogan of the event was ‘My Solidarity to End Violence against Women.’ Young men and women came forward to organise the event, with primary focus on ending discrimination between men and women and freeing women from clutches of patriarchy. Activists said patriarchy in Nepali society had not only bolstered cases of VOW, but had also put immense pressure on men, who did not want to fit into the centuries long traditional role of chauvinist male. As part of celebrating the day, activists and students participated in a rally from Mangal Bazaar, Patan in Lalitpur displaying placards and shouting slogans on rights of men. Sanjog Thakuri Chairman of Hami DajuVai, who organised the program said traditional notion of understanding man to be macho and their obligation to fulfill their duty accordingly had put immense pressure on men. “This is also a major cause of VAW. Men often inflict pain upon women to prove their masculinity, which I think is due to the burden of patriarchy imposed on them,” Thakuri said. Thakuri said International Mens’ Day is meant for supporting the cause of women and for demanding equality between male and female. “Achieving equality also means to share sufferings and pain by men and women. Equality between men and women is only possible when men realise its essence.” The theme of this year’s International Mens Day was, ‘Making a Difference for Men and Boys.’ International Mens’ Day officially began in 1989 and is celebrated in over 80 countries across world.