Children from various schools and colleges on Friday staged various programmes such as drama, dance and poem recitation to spread awareness against gender-based violence.

Through the programme, they portrayed the forms of domestic, sexual, physical and mental violence women face both in the public and private sphere of their lives. “We live in a patriarchal society which discriminates against women and causes violence against them. It is important to spread awareness on violence against women and spread a message to stop it,” said Pema Lama of Rato Bangala School.

The programme was organised by Zonta Nepal to mark the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence campaign. The campaign runs through November 25-December 10 every year.

At the programme, Zonta Nepal President Pramila Acharya Rijal spoke on the importance of breaking the silence against gender-based violence. Rijal said the event was aimed at advocating for making education safe from gender-based violence for all, with a particular focus on young women.

Madhu Prasad Regmi, secretary at the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Welfare, said collective effort from the government, civil society and development partners was necessary to eliminate it. “The government has enacted laws against domestic violence and workplace sexual harassment. However, we feel that the law alone is not enough,” Regmi said.

The Parliament building is seen bathed in orange as part of the ‘Orange the World: 16-Day Campaign Against Violence Against Women and Children’, in New Baneshwor, Kathmandu, on Friday. The UN has invited all to use the orange colour to symbolise a brighter future without violence. The campaign is being celebrated from November 25 to December 10.