Strengthening collective action to end gender-based violence in Nepal

The event concluded with a collective photo session, during which participants held advocacy banners to express their solidarity in ending all forms of gender-based violence.

CECI’s 2020–2025 Strategic Framework prioritizes equality, inclusion, and the empowerment of marginalized groups, particularly women and girls. It aims to strengthen access to social, political, and economic resources while addressing structural barriers. The framework adopts a gender-transformative approach that promotes positive masculinities and supports coordinated prevention and response efforts related to gender-based violence.

The 16 Days of Activism: a global movement

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is a worldwide campaign held annually from 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) to 10 December (Human Rights Day). Since its launch in 1991, the initiative has mobilized governments, civil society, and communities to advocate for the elimination of violence against women and girls.

The campaign aims to raise awareness of gender-based violence, express solidarity with survivors, and recognize progress at national and global levels toward gender equality and justice.

Globally, one in three women experiences physical or sexual violence in her lifetime, highlighting the urgency of sustained action (WHO, 2025). In Nepal, recent data indicates that 67% of women who experienced violence did not seek help, underscoring the need for stronger support systems and safe reporting mechanisms (UNDP, 2025).

Theme and focus for 2025

The global slogan for 2025 is “UNiTE! End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls.”
This theme addresses the growing challenge of technology-facilitated violence and calls for stronger measures to ensure digital spaces are safe, particularly for women and girls.

Nepal’s national theme, “Use Technology Safely, End Gender-Based Violence,” emphasizes digital responsibility and protection from online abuse, harassment, and threats. In recent years, cases of cyber-harassment—especially targeting young women and girls—have increased significantly, reflecting heightened risks of technology-facilitated gender-based violence.

Nepal’s commitment to ending gender-based violence

Nepal continues to advance efforts to eliminate gender-based violence at multiple levels. Constitutional provisions, GBV-related laws, and the National Strategy to End GBV reinforce the country’s commitment to prevention, protection, and access to justice.

At the international level, Nepal upholds these commitments through its adherence to CEDAW, the Sustainable Development Goals, and other human rights instruments calling for the elimination of violence against women and girls.

By fostering a shared understanding of the campaign’s objectives, CECI Nepal marked the beginning of the 2025 16 Days of Activism. The gathering reinforced collective action, awareness-building, and solidarity in support of national and global efforts to end gender-based violence in all its forms.