Kathmandu
The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, jointly hosted by ZONTA International, Ncell Foundation, UNFPA, and UNICEF Nepal, aimed to raise awareness and drive collective action to end child marriage in Nepal. The event was held on the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
Ms. Bina Rana, President of ZONTA, emphasized the importance of a collaborative approach to addressing child marriage. She stated, “A unified effort involving women-led organizations, the private sector, and other key stakeholders is critical to creating sustainable solutions to child marriage. These solutions must address root causes such as poverty, lack of education, and limited economic opportunities.”
Child marriage remains a significant barrier to gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. In Nepal, one in three girls is married before the age of 18, leading to adverse consequences for their health, education, and economic prospects. “Child marriage is a human rights violation and requires a multi-sectoral response,” said Mr. Dipak Dhakal, Under Secretary at the Ministry of Women, Children, and Senior Citizens.
The private sector has a crucial role in this fight. Partnerships can promote economic empowerment programs that provide Nepali girls and women with viable alternatives to early marriage. Bishakha Lakshmi Khadka, Head of Corporate Communications and CSR at Ncell, shared, “As a leading private sector entity committed to fostering inclusive and equitable communities, we at Ncell believe that addressing gender-based violence is not just a social imperative but a moral responsibility for all.”
During the event, Ms. Jee Hyun Rah, UNICEF Deputy Representative to Nepal, and Ms. Kamla Bisht, Gender and Human Rights Specialist from UNFPA Nepal, joined renowned Nepali artist Mr. Prakash Saput and SDG Studio to launch a music video titled “Shir Mai Phurke Ribbon.” The video, produced jointly by UNFPA and UNICEF Nepal, aims to raise awareness among young people about the consequences of child marriage.
Ms. Jee Hyun Rah highlighted, “This event marks the beginning of a broader movement toward a more equitable society where all children, especially girls, can live free from violence and discrimination.”