On World AIDS Day, December 1st, Setu Nepal organized a panel discussion at Himalaya College of Engineering. We worked together with Lalitpur Metropolitan City, Rotaract Club of Patan, and Leo Club of Kathmandu.
The discussion focused on the role of institutions and stakeholders in reducing gender-based violence, bringing together policymakers, experts, and community representatives to share experiences and explore ways to strengthen prevention and response efforts.
Key Discussions
Manjali Shakya Bajracharya, Deputy Mayor, emphasized the importance of integrating awareness on gender-based violence and digital safety within academic institutions. She highlighted that educating young people is a key step toward preventing violence and building a safer and more equitable society.
Sarita Karki, a Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) specialist, spoke about the need to prioritize marginalized communities and ensure that GESI principles are integrated into program planning. She also emphasized the importance of strengthening evidence-based decision-making so that programs effectively address the needs of vulnerable groups.
Speakers further highlighted the importance of effective facilitation skills, stronger coordination at the local level, and the active engagement of management committees to strengthen community also stressed the need for confidentiality, survivor-centered approaches, timely referral systems, and proper case documentation when responding to cases of gender-based violence.
Suku Lama discussed the importance of evidence in seeking justice and explained how the One Stop Crisis Management Center provides integrated services to survivors, including medical treatment, legal assistance, psychosocial counseling, and shelter support.
Mausami Gurung shared experiences of discrimination faced by members of the LGBTIQ+ community and called for the creation of gender-friendly spaces, non-judgmental service providers, and stronger policies that protect and empower marginalized communities.
Additionally, participants shared their experiences with gender-based violence:
I would like to share my experience of childhood sexual abuse. A lack of education about 'good touch' and 'bad touch' left me vulnerable and confused — an issue compounded by my identity as a member of the LGBTIQ+ community. -Participant
