Zonta, a social organisation advocating for the rights of women, marked the ‘16 days of activism against gender-based violence’ campaign by organising a walkathon on Saturday. The walkathon started from Durbar Marg with more than 500 participants walking towards Basantapur Durbar Square.

Ava Shah, president of the Zonta Club of Kathmandu says that the campaign is a platform for people from all walks of life to come together and speak out against gender-based violence.

“Women’s well-being and their capacity to lead productive lives are negatively impacted by gender-based violence. Additionally, it has a significant financial impact on their families and results in lost productivity and employment prospects. The right to live without violence belongs to every woman,” said Shreejana Rana, the district 25 governor of Zonta International. “Through this walkathon, the Zonta Club brought influencers, activists, media, and the youth together to raise their voices against gender-based violence.”

According to a press statement released by the organisers, Zonta Club has made four PSA (Public Service Announcement) videos currently shown in QFX cinemas across the valley. The minute-long videos will be shown before the show starts and during the interval for the duration of the 16-day campaign that ends on December 10.

The chair of the Zonta Club of Kathmandu’s 16-day campaign against violence against women, Vidushi Rana, believes that these PSA videos convey the message that harassment, assault, and child marriage are never acceptable. “These films were created to encourage people to speak out against violence against women; to assist those in need, and to inform the survivors of helplines they can call to express their concerns,” she said.

The walkathon saw participants from all walks of life from celebrities to influencers to the general public. Nona Deprez, the ambassador of the European Union to Nepal, Anuradha Koirala, Anil Shah, Capt Vijay Lama and Parakram Rana have extended support to the Zonta Club for the campaign. Through video messages on their social media, a number of celebrities are also showing their support for the Zonta Club of Kathmandu in their campaign on VAW and GBV.

Zonta International is a leading global organisation of professionals, empowering women worldwide through service and advocacy.