KATHMANDU, DECEMBER 1

The United Nations in Nepal and International Development Partners marked 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence Campaign in Dhangadi Sub-metropolitan Office together with the Ministry of Social Development of Sudurpaschim Province and representatives from embassies, development partners, civil society, and women's movement.

Speaking at the event, Ganesh Singh, acting secretary at the Ministry of Social Development, Sudurpaschim Province, urged all and sundry to unite to end gender-based violence.

This event served as a platform to mobilise key stakeholders to take action to prevent and respond to gender-based violence by strengthening comprehensive essential services for the survivors of violence; invest in reliable data collection on GBV; increase programming to address gender discriminatory norms; and strengthen protection mechanisms to prevent and eliminate violence and discrimination against women's rights advocates/activists in line with international standards.

Speaking on behalf of the United Nations in Nepal and as Co-chair of International Development Partners Group, Elke Wisch, UNICEF representative in Nepal said, "Gender-based violence continues to undermine the rights, dignity, security and autonomy of women, girls as well as LGBTIQ+ persons particularly those belonging to marginalised communities.

Beyond violating the rights of each individual, neglect of women and girls undermines half the potential for progress, prosperity and well-being for all."

It will therefore require the collaborative effort of a 'whole of society' to break the silence and tackle the culture of acceptance to achieve zero-tolerance for violence against women, girls and other marginalised community members.

A version of this article appears in the print on December 2, 2022, of The Himalayan Times.