Dec. 25, 2017, Lumbini: Lumbini was oranged to mark the beginning of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence to challenge violence against women and girls. Mayadevi Temple, the birthplace of Sakyamuni Buddha was lighted up into fully orange. The event jointly organized at Mayadevi by Lumbini Development Trust (LDT), UN Resident Coordinators Office (UNRCO), UN Population Fund (UNPF), UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) and UN Women was attended by large number of participants including tourists and pilgrims. Treasurer of Lumbini Development Trust Mr. Surendra Muni Shakya welcomed distinguished guests and participants in his welcome speech and said, "We cannot imagine any family, society, nation or, world without women. A mother who is a woman is the symbol of unconditional love and compassion. The mothers all over the world are the true follower of Buddh's teachings of non-violence and compassion. It is our common responsibility to eliminate any form of gender based- violence because human existence impossible without females." He also prayed Lord Buddha to give wisdom and strength to end gender based violence and all forms of hostility from the world.

Valerie Julliand, UN Resident Coordinator said, "The movement of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is campaigned to challenge violence against women and girls every year from 25 November to 10 December. This year, we are marking the campaign under the overarching theme, “Leave No One Behind: End Violence against Women and Girls. Despite tremendous development in science and technology and economic growth, the women around the globe irrespective of their caste, creed, faith and nationality are being suffered from one or other type of violence. It is, in fact, an infamy for humanity and human civilization. We should take effective action to stop gender-based violence of any form and any nature from every family and every society to safeguard the right to peace of all women and girls world over. She further appealed all to stand together to end all forms of gender-based violence from the world with strong conviction and commitment.

Honorable Narishwor Bhandari, District Judge of Rupandehi remarked that the judiciary of Nepal had aimed at eliminating all forms of woman violence through prompt legal treatment. The cases related to gender-based violence such as polygamy, divorce, rape, woman trafficking and domestic violence are commonly filed in Nepalese courts. He further said, "Closed court hearings, victim witness protection, public defender, help desk, online legal service are some of the measures adopted by Nepalese judiciary to safeguard gender-based violence." Lack of awareness of legal rights and provisions and negotiation in the critical phase of a case are major challenges to fight for fair judgment in Nepal, he further added.

UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador and renowned Dhamma Singer Ani Choying Dolma also sang the songs for universal peace and unity. Her thematic songs inspired the participants to stand united against gender-based violence to cultivate compassion in the heart and mind.

The program was conducted by Hari D. Rai, Information Chief of Lumbini Development Trust. (Photo credit UN)