Kanchanpur, Far-western Province, September 4, 2024, Saathi organized Teej Talks (9th Edition) event in Krishnapur Municipality-6, Kanchanpur, focusing on stories of equality, empowerment, and joy in the fight against gender stereotypes. The program, supported by the AEIN – Aide à l’Enfance de l’Inde et du Népal, Luxembourg and Foundation for a Just Society (FJS), was attended by around 400 people from Krishnapur and Shuklaphanta municipalities. Four speakers shared personal experiences of overcoming gender discrimination.
Ms. Sajani Amatya, President of Saathi, welcomed the participants and discussed the organization’s journey in combating domestic violence and gender discrimination. She highlighted Saathi’s interventions, including advocacy campaigns and support for women and children in need. The event was moderated by Ms. Bandana Rana, Co-Founder/Past president of Saathi and CEDAW Committee Member. She elaborated on the program’s objectives, emphasizing the need to challenge harmful social and cultural practices that perpetuate gender stereotypes, using success stories to inspire change and awareness.
Among the speakers was Volleyball coach Jagdish Bhatta, who shared how he supported his daughters in sports and rejected the discriminatory practice of Chhaupadi in his household. He believes that empowering girls contributes to eliminating gender inequality. Social worker and activist Sabitra Ghimire spoke about facing societal pressure for not having a son and how she raised her two daughters with a strong emphasis on education. She stressed the importance of changing societal mindsets that reinforce gender stereotypes. Artist Jitu Nepal discussed the need for balanced gender roles and shared his experience of supporting his wife in domestic work, despite objections from his mother. He underscored the importance of empowering women and girls for a prosperous life. Journalist Unnati Chaudhary recounted her decision to leave home and pursue a career in journalism, despite family pressure to marry. Her choice to prioritize her career over traditional expectations was a bold move that shaped her success.
The Chief Guest, Hon. Saraswati Khadka, State Minister of Social Development for Far-western Province, praised the event for motivating and encouraging further efforts to address gender issues in the region. She expressed her dissatisfaction with the lack of women-centric policies in the province and committed to pushing for their implementation. Hon. Khadka also emphasized the importance of solidarity and collective efforts in creating a society free from discrimination and violence.
The TEEJ Talks program served as a platform for individuals who have faced and dismantled gender stereotypes to share their stories. It conveyed a powerful message of how changing mindsets can create a more equal and just society, inspiring participants to become catalysts for change in their own communities.
