On 2079 Falgun 24, Kathmandu Metropolitan City Ward No. 10 and the Bhaskar Tejshree Memorial Foundation, in collaboration with the main slogan “Strong foundation of gender equality, creative management, women's access to housing,” successfully completed the empowerment program for the prevention of gender inequality on the occasion of the 113th International Women's Day. Around 105 community members and some distinguished personalities participated in the program organized at the ward office.
The program, chaired by Ward Chairman Ram Kumar KC, was attended by Nepali Congress leader Shradeya Sarjina Sangham. Bhaskar Tejshree Memorial Foundation Founding President Prof. Dr. Rita Thapa, Ward Member Shri Rohani Shrestha, Nepal Beautician Association President Shri Bhagwati Khadka, and former MP Shri Kalyani Rajial were the main guests. The guests and participants were welcomed by Ward Member Sunita Bhatrikoti.
Prof. Dr. Rita Thapa gave a brief introduction to the world-renowned human rights lawyer Tejashree Thapa and the background of the practical training. She also highlighted the main aspects of the program. A glimpse of the program in all seven provinces was shown through audio-visual.
The program presented information and knowledge in a hands-on manner with the aim of empowering the minds of the community to address gender inequality in the community. In the program, Bandhu Pun, a research and training officer, presented the practical training. The main aspects included gender identification, a gender role card game, video demonstrations, and discussions. And interactive activities were conducted to engage the participants and encourage them to think about these important issues. Later, self-defense instructor Neeta Tamang demonstrated various self-defense techniques, such as using voice as a weapon, identifying the victim’s vulnerable parts, quick block, and using improvised weapons. Mindfulness meditation was also practiced as a way to reduce mental stress.
It is very exciting to partner with Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Ward No. 10, for this event on International Women’s Day. We are committed to working with communities to bring about positive change in this area. In addition, Dr. Thapa urged further expansion of this partnership to all schools in the ward.
Nepal Beautician Association President Bhagwati Khadka remembered the martyrs of all women leaders who worked for women's rights. She says, "We are still fighting for women's freedom. In this forum, there are many successful women who have struggled for this status. However, women still have to fight for their place from home to the workplace and there is a double burden of women's work. If we want to bring about change, let's start the change from our own homes. First, love yourself. Let's all unite for this. Happy 113th Women's Day." Nepali Congress leader Sarjina Sanghi has expressed her best wishes on the auspicious occasion. She said that this program was very informative and knowledgeable and thanked the department and ward office for such a program. He said, “Nepali women are still lagging behind in digital literacy. We still send our sons to better colleges than our daughters. Let’s start gender equality at home. Digital technology is not just about knowing how to use a laptop, it is much more than social media. Women can use digital technology to empower themselves, learn skills and do more. It is time to choose ourselves, we have gained a lot of rights. Women should take action for women.” He also remembered prominent women's rights leaders like Mangala Devi Sanghi, Sahana Pradhan, and Shailaja Acharya. He especially remembered Mangala Devi Sanghi, who fought for women's education and suffrage during the Rana period, leaving her five children at home and spending her life in prison.
Program Chairman Ram Kumar KC expressed his belief that Nepal, especially urban areas like Kathmandu, has made great progress in gender equality and women's empowerment and that it will soon reach the entire country. He formally concluded the program by thanking all the guests and participants.
The program received a positive response from the participants, who appreciated the opportunity to come together and discuss these important issues.