16 Days of Activism with TECSES

The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign is held every year from 25 November to 10 December. This global campaign reminds us that gender-based violence can be physical, emotional, social, digital or economic. This year’s theme was “Unite to end digital violence against all women and girls”.

This year, TECSES, LACC project and SUSWA joined forces for the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign. All three projects are implemented under the partnership of the Government of Nepal, the European Union and Finland.

Understanding Different Forms of Violence

Gender based violence does not happen only in homes or public places. It also happens online. Even in remote parts of Nepal, digital safety is becoming important. As internet access grows, children and adults need to learn how to stay safe and respectful in digital spaces.

Teachers as Role Models

In many provinces in Nepal, most teachers are men. This means male teachers play a strong role in promoting equality. The way they speak to students, handle classroom situations and challenge unfair norms can help create more equal schools.

Talking openly about gender roles and respect is important. Teacher training and learning groups give teachers safe spaces to think and discuss these topics.

Education that Protects

Education helps protect girls from child marriage and other forms of gender-based violence. But schools must also avoid repeating harmful gender norms. A safe and equal school culture starts with gender sensitive teaching and respect among teachers, students and staff.

Inclusion for All Learners

On the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, teacher Yogendra Bahadur Shahari from Surkhet shared how inclusion can work in practice. He teaches students with visual, hearing and physical disabilities and makes simple changes in the classroom to support their learning. He hopes all schools will have disability friendly infrastructure and inclusive materials.

The 16 Days campaign has been impactful, yet the work to end gender based violence must continue every day of the year.

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TECSES is a teacher education project in Nepal, supported by Finland and the European Union. We work to improve schools through teacher training and inclusion at the federal, provincial, and local levels of government, and Nepali universities.