Thursday, 23 January, 2025
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Activists march in capital demanding women’s safety



activists-march-in-capital-demanding-womens-safety

By Bibhuti Shah
Kathmandu, Feb. 13: Thousands of people including writers, poets, activists and actors took to the street in the capital on Friday demanding safety for women amid the increasing cases of rapes in the country.
The “Mahila March” a part of citizens’ campaign for justice began at 2:00 PM from Basantapur Durbar Square. The women’s march was prompted by a recent incident in Baitadi where a 17-year old Bhagrathi Bhatta was brutally raped and murdered.
The march began with a group of social activists and actors clad in white which was followed by a large mass chanting slogans against the delay in investigations in rape cases like that of Bhagrathi and others.
The sounds of Dhimay drums and cymbal rang across the march accompanying the loud chanting. The march also included the girls dressed in black protesting the violence against women.
The march included women activists including Mohna Ansari, Archana Thapa, Rita Sah, Hima Bista, Ram Kumari Jhankri, Pranika Koyu, Hisila Yami and Shrinkhala Khatiwada, among others.
Writer Sanjeev Uprety remarked that the march was for democracy.
Former Miss Nepal Shrinkhala Khatiwada expressed her concerns over the increasing “rape culture” in the nation. She said, “Safeguarding the criminals has boosted their confidence in committing these heinous crimes.”
“The government has undermined the rights of the citizens, that’s why we have come to the streets,” said writer Khagendra Sangraula.
The march that had planned to move up to the front of Singha Durbar gate settled in front of Bhadrakali Temple after they were halted by the police.
The protestors recited poems, sand and staged a street drama. Actors from Shilpee Theatre performed a street play asking the government to heed voice in the streets. “Listen to the voices of the street”, the mass roared.
The protestors without affiliation to particular political parties, criticised the government for its negligence in women’s safety.
Professor of Political Science at TU Vijay Kant Karna said that the government had never taken the issue of rapes sensitively.”
(Bibhuti is an intern at TRN.)