In Kepilasgadhi Rural Municipality, a powerful movement took place during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) on December 10, 2024. What began as a small initiative grew into a transformative event as children from the Indreni, Navakoshis, Sapteshwor, and Laliguras child clubs stood together to raise their voices against gender-based violence. Through dance and musical drama performances, they delivered a resounding “NO” to its harmful impacts, inspiring their community to reflect, learn, and take action.
Organized in collaboration with the dZi Foundation and Kepilasgadhi Rural Municipality, the event centered on child-led activities that highlighted the deep and often hidden issue of gender-based violence prevalent in communities. The program was attended by more than 150 community members, local leaders, parents, and teachers from various communities.
Unique Adhikari, a 12-year-old 7th-grade student who always enjoyed performing dances at various school functions, expressed, “This time, it is different. Our dance is not just a routine performance but a big message to the community.” As he stood on stage with his fellow club members, he felt his nervousness beginning to fade. The dance was powerful and full of meaning, and each movement told the story of the pain caused by violence and the hope for a future free from it. The audience, which included elders, teachers, and local leaders, watched the performances attentively. Many women in the crowd were brought to tears as the performance unfolded. Among them was Guna Devi Khatri, a 56-year-old homemaker, who later shared her thoughts about the program. “I really liked this program,” she said, her voice trembling. “I was in tears watching the play the drama. I could relate so much to my past experiences.”
Guna Devi had been married at the tender age of 12, and by 17, she had children. She had suffered silently, believing that early marriage was the norm. But watching the performance that day, something changed. "I was sad when I got married. I now realize that child marriage is unlawful. I realized that it’s violence when a mother-in-law beats her daughter-in-law or when a husband beats his wife. I learned that we should not do this—or allow it to happen.” she said with newfound clarity. “Now, I will educate my grandchildren until they are competent enough, and I will make sure they do not marry before they reach the legal age for marriage,” she promised.
The emotional impact of the event didn’t stop at the performance. It sparked conversations, reflections, and a collective rethinking of harmful practices within the community. This change in perspective was exactly what the 16 Days of Activism aimed for—healing, education, and empowerment. The event planted seeds of awareness, and as the community continued to discuss, reflect, and learn, those seeds began to grow.
For Unique, the experience was equally transformative. “At first, I was scared, but after seeing how everyone enjoyed and paid attention, I wasn’t afraid anymore. If we get the chance to perform again, we will prepare even better and present ourselves in a much-improved way” he said. The program not only boosted his confidence but also instilled in him a sense of purpose and pride in being part of a movement for change.
Similar child-led activities were conducted on the same occasion in six other schools in the Aiselukharka and Mahakulung Rural Municipalities with dZi support. From quiz competitions to street dramas, from speech contests to cultural dance performances, the schools, child clubs, and community came alive with vibrant discussions and performances aimed at creating awareness and fostering change.
This small initiative has educated and created awareness among community members to stand up against violence. As the echoes of the performances fade, the message remains clear: achieving gender equality is a long and challenging journey, but it is one that our child club leaders are embarking on with determination and commitment.
