Sep 02, Kathmandu - Kathmandu has hosted its first ever Gender Equality Carnival, raising its voice against gender-based violence through art, literature, creative expression, debate, and entertainment.

The program was conducted in two phases. In the first phase, messages on gender equality and violence prevention were conveyed through interactive games and activities such as Snakes and Ladders, Dart Game, Mehndi Booth, Policy Booth, Wall of Evidence, Photo Booth, and Tree of Commitment.

The second phase was a panel discussion of government and non-government agencies, policy makers, experts and activists, which focused on policy arrangements, efforts and challenges against gender-based violence.

During the discussion, group activities and a fashion show by students reflecting gender-transformative beliefs conveyed a message against harmful patriarchy and toxic masculinity. National Commission for Women Chairperson Kamala Parajuli stressed the importance of policy implementation. Senior Superintendent of Police Tara Devi Thapa said that justice is served in only 5 percent of domestic violence cases.

LGBTQIA+ campaigner Bhumi Shrestha called for an end to forced surgeries on intersex children and for a legal system to be put in place.

Acting chairperson of the National Madhesi Commission, Jibach Sah, opposed the proposal to lower the legal age of marriage. Women's rights activist Aarti Chataut presented a study showing that single women are most at risk of violence and that only adults are affected by lowering the age of marriage.

The discussion covered issues such as child marriage, mental health, workplace harassment, healthy relationships, and men's participation in gender equality.

The carnival, held at the Square Hotel in Patan on August 30, was attended by more than 120 stakeholders. The second phase will be free for the general public and the carnival will also be held in Madhesh province next month, the organizers said.