Samriddhi Foundation Nepal organized a powerful and heartfelt program marking the global campaign of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, calling for solidarity to end violence against women and girls everywhere. The event became a remarkable gathering of Nepal’s most influential and inspiring female personalities,women who have shaped the nation through their art, leadership, activism and courage.
Among the distinguished attendees were Usha Sherchan, Nepal’s celebrated poet and lyricist, Nisha Sharma, veteran actor and the country’s first female Chancellor of the Nepal Academy of Music and Drama, Devika Vandana, renowned singer and world record holder, Poonam Poudel, senior journalist and editor-in-chief, Prashna Shakya, one of Nepal’s most loved singers, Shusma Khatri, respected television news anchor, Roshani Adhikari, Regional Councillor of IUCN and Suchitra Shrestha, Nepal’s first female film director.
The program began with the distribution of pink wristbands to all distinguished guests, Nepal’s most respected female personalities, symbolizing unity, courage and a shared commitment to ending gender-based violence. This meaningful gesture created an atmosphere of solidarity, reminding everyone that collective strength begins with a single, united stand.
After that, the short film ‘Ice Cream’ was projected” which showed how girls are unsafe in our society. The film touched everyone deeply and the nation’s leading women from art, media, literature, conservation, music and cinema shared their honest reactions.
Each of these trailblazing women took the stage to share their personal encounters with gender-based violence, stories of pain, resilience, and transformation. They spoke openly about the challenges they faced, the battles they fought and how they use their voice, platform and profession to challenge injustice and drive change. This led to a powerful discussion on why gender-based violence is still common, pointing to deep-rooted social norms, inequality and a culture of silence. Drawing from their experiences, they explored ways Nepal can move forward through education, awareness and empowering women, turning the gathering into a strong call to action and a testament to the power of collective responsibility and courage.
In a symbolic and inspiring moment of solidarity, all guests signed a joint commitment, a pledge to remain more focused, active and vocal in ending all forms of gender-based violence. Their united stand echoed a powerful message: change begins when courage is shared.
The program also introduced Samriddhi Foundation Nepal’s meaningful initiative, “S.H.E. is Success”, a movement centered on S = Safety, H = Health, E = Education, implemented with the valuable support of Yogdan Foundation as its Supporting Organization. This initiative is dedicated to uplifting women and girls by protecting their fundamental rights, expanding access to opportunities and fostering safer, healthier and more equitable communities across Nepal.
As the world observes the 16 Days of Activism, this gathering served not only as a reminder of the challenges women still face, but as a beacon of hope. It reinforced the truth that every woman and every girl deserves safety, dignity, opportunity and respect and together, we can make this a reality.
S.H.E. is Success – because when she is safe, healthy and educated, the whole nation rises.
