KATHMANDU, Feb 14: Scores of participants mostly youths participated in a demonstrations in four different locations in Kathmandu on Tuesday to raise awareness against all forms of abuse against women.

The Government Facility, an initiative of the embassies of Denmark and Switzerland and the UK’s DFID, organized the flash mobs outside Bhat-Bhateni Shopping Centers at different locations in the capital city. 

Women, men and children gathered in front of the centers holding placards reading slogans regarding Violence Against Women (VAW). Placards read slogans such as ‘Let women be leaders’ and ‘No means no.’

Before the dance started, there was a short skit presenting the traditional customs practiced in households, workplaces in Nepal showing exploitation of women. “It showed us that it still is a prevalent problem in Nepal, and it’s purpose was to let the people know that such practices which are still taken as normal happenings must be broken so that women are treated equally,” said one of the participants addressing the gathering.

The dancers were from a group called ‘One Billion Rising’, in which their goal is to raise awareness against all forms of abuse. The dance included Nepali, English songs which had a message about empowering women.

 
• violence against women
 
• awareness
 
• bhat-bhateni