KATHMANDU

On the occasion of International Day of the Girl Child (IDGC), Plan International Nepal has organised “Art is Power”, an event that linked word art of young girls and boys to visual art created by artists in response to the word art. 

According to a press statement released by Plan International Nepal a total of 250 young people that included 214 girls from seven districts; Sunsari, Sindhuli, Makwanpur, Banke, Bardiya, Jumla and Kalikot participated in the Virtual Art Workshops.

Young people,who are under 18, were oriented to create art through different means such as poetry, storytelling, song, writing, and comics. The event aimed to provide a chance for marginalized girls and boys to express their voices and concerns to decision makers.

Quoting Liz Satow, Country Director of Plan International Nepal, it stated, “As part of our global campaign, we have organized virtual events to create space for young people, especially girls, to raise their voices through the medium of art.” She further added: “The voices of the young girls and boys will also be a reminder to the government to increase their commitment to children’s right and equality for girls”

This is the second consecutive year of “Art is Power”. This year, as a result of the COVID 19 pandemic, Plan International in collaboration with “Kaalo 101” had to organise it virtually. 

A total of 11 artists which also included 5 canvas artists worked with young boys and girls to enhance their skills on expressing themselves through the medium of art. 

The artistic outcome by young people will be virtually exhibited after November 25 during the 16 days of activism against Gender based violence as per the press statement. The Art is Power is organized in Nepal under the “Girls Get Equal” campaign of Plan International which demands equal power, freedom and representation. The Campaign was launched in Nepal on March 8, 2019 and it has engaged girls and boys for supporting girl’s movement and gender equality in Nepal.