E-Kantipur

KATHMANDU, SEP 24 -

The Urlado One Billion campaign that aims to empower women and end gender-based violence was formally launched in Nepal on Sunday. The campaign will organise various activities in the country, spreading awareness about “One Billion Rising,” an international solidarity programme scheduled for February 14, 2013.

The formal launch of the campaign, attended by 25 social organisations and South Asian women’s networks, also celebrated South Asian solidarity, with the performance of a song composed by Kamala Bhasin, South Asian Coordinator of the One Billion Rising. Addressing the launch, Bhasin said, “Violence is everywhere because patriarchy is everywhere. Fighting for equality is not a fight between men and women—it is a fight between equality and patriarchy.” The launch was also addressed by former Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal, UCPN (Maoist) leader Hisila Yami and former Constituent Assembly member and Advocate Sapana Pradhan Malla.

The international campaign, which was initiated by writer, actress and activist Eve Ensler with support from the V-day Foundation, was launched in the eight South Asian nations. To date, 160 countries have been associated with the campaign. The programme also announced the “Meeto Memorial Award for Young South Asians,” which celebrates the social commitment of the South Asian youth. Women’s rights activists also appealed to the government and concerned authorities to act on violence against women. The activists urged NGOs, INGOs, human rights activists, political parties, journalists, teachers and students to come together to support women’s rights with the slogan “Strike, Dance and Rise”.

Posted on: 2012-09-24 08:15

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