Ncell Foundation has joined ZONTA, UNFPA, and UNICEF Nepal in a program – 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. On Tuesday 26, November, the entities jointly hosted an event in Kathmandu to launch the initiative that raises awareness and implements collective efforts to end child marriage in the county.
The event was held on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women which brought together leaders from various women-led organizations, private industry, and key stakeholders to discuss solutions to end child marriage in Nepal.
This activism program was inaugurated by ZONTA president Ms. Bina Rana who stressed the importance of a collective approach to eliminate child marriage practices in the country. Likewise, the event was graced by UNICEF Deputy Representative to Nepal Ms. Jee Hyun Rah, and Gender and Human Rights Specialist from UNFPA Nepal, Kamala Bishta who joined Neali artist Mr. Prakash Saput and SDG Studio to launch a music video titled “Shir Mai Phurke Ribbon” which is produced by UNFPA and UNICEF Nepal to raise awareness among the youth on the harsh consequences of child marriage.
Private entities fighting child marriage
The stats have it that one in every three girls in Nepal marry before the age of 18. This has been seen as one of the key factors in gender inequality and women’s empowerment. Besides, early marriage also dampens women’s health, education, and economic prospects. “Child marriage is a human rights violation and requires a multi-sectoral response,” said Dipak Dhakal, Under Secretary, Ministry of Women, Children, and Senior Citizens.
Bandana Rana, women’s rights activist and UN CEDAW Committee member, stated, “By prioritizing the diverse needs of girls and women, these organizations have the potential to drive lasting change and promote gender equality.”
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Ncell outlines the private sector’s role in fighting gender violence
Ncell expects that the private sector can play an instrumental role in to fight against gender violence and child marriage. It believes that private companies can use their resources, platforms, and influence to harbor social changes. The telco adds that the companies can promote awareness, implement gender-equal policies, and integrate child protection measures into their operation and supply chains.
The private telco also adds that private enterprises can support economic empowerment programs to provide Nepali girls and women with key 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 of all. Through partnerships like this, we aim to amplify collective action, empower communities, and work towards creating an environment where everyone can thrive.”
Ncell through the Ncell Foundation consistently contributes to Nepal’s education, health, environment, and other community projects and sees women-led organizations, private sectors, and other stakeholders as the key to driving sustainable solutions and addressing the root causes of child marriage, poverty, lack of education, limited economic prospects, etc.
Ncell believes that this collaboration with UNICEF Nepal, ZONTA, and others will play a holistic role in ending child marriage in Nepal.
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“… a better world for women, girls, and communities” with Ncell Foundation, Zonta, and co
“Gender-based violence remains a harsh reality, exacerbated by rising child marriage rates and the threats of climate change. Through the ‘Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women’ campaign, we are committed to creating a better world for women, girls, and communities everywhere. Since 2018, Zonta International has proudly supported the UNFPA-UNICEF Global Program to End Child Marriage, becoming the first private-sector donor to this vital initiative. Zonta Club Kathmandu is honored to partner with UNICEF, UNFPA, and Ncell Foundation in this critical mission for lasting change in the country” says Bina Rana, President of Zonta Club Kathmandu.
Concluding the symposium, Ms. Jee Hyun Rah from UNICEF Nepal stated, “By joining forces, we aim to break the cycle of child marriage and empower women and girls to reach their full potential. 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.”
Besides this 16-day activism against gender violence and child marriage, Ncell is also carrying forward several CSR projects. Currently, the operator has invited applications for 19 community projects for work on health, education, sustainable environment projects, etc.
