KATHMANDU, DECEMBER 15

In support of the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence and this year's UNITE theme, "End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls," the Zonta Club Kathmandu partnered with the Cyber Bureau of Nepal Police, women lawyers, and Chandragiri Municipality to raise awareness on cybersecurity and online safety across diverse communities in Nepal.

Throughout the campaign period, Zonta Club Kathmandu reached over 600 children and adults, with a strong focus on women and girls, through a series of awareness sessions and outreach events. Officials from the Cyber Bureau and women legal experts led sessions covering emerging cybercrime trends in Nepal, challenges related to online safety, support systems for victims, and the legal frameworks that protect women and girls from digital harm, according to the press release issued by the club.

On 25 November, the Club conducted an in-person session at the Chandragiri Municipality Office for 160 participants, including women representatives from all 15 wards, senior municipal officials, and community members. This was followed by webinar-based outreach on 26 November for around 200 students from 10 schools in remote areas of Kalikot District, and on 3 December, another session reached 110 students in an Awadhi community school in Lumbini. These initiatives were designed to prepare the next generation of responsible digital citizens while highlighting the importance of online safety and awareness.

As the concluding program of the global UNITE campaign, Zonta Club Kathmandu hosted an interactive cybersecurity awareness event on 10 December for officials from corporate organizations, drawing 70 participants from various companies. Additionally, on 2 December, Zonta Youth Club members organized a highly engaging panel discussion on issues affecting women and girls at the Silver Mountain School of Hotel Management.

"Zonta envisions a world, where no woman lives in fear of violence. As technology mediates more into our daily lives, it is being used increasingly to harm and abuse women and girls in new and alarming ways. Hence these sessions were meaningfully aligned to Zonta's vision," said Bina Rana, President of Zonta Club Kathmandu.

"The campaign underscored the power of collaboration. When institutions, communities, and advocates unite with a shared purpose, they create deeper awareness and meaningful change to end digital violence."

The campaign was organized with support from Everest Bank Limited, Golchha Group, NMB Bank Ltd., and Padma Jyoti Group. Their contributions enabled the Club to reach vulnerable communities and amplify discussions on online safety, the club said.