Spreading Awareness Through Deuda: Girls Stand Against Social Issues

By Man Bahadur Bishwakarma, Kalikot, March 29: Teenage girls performed a cultural Deuda to raise awareness on issues such as child marriage, gender-based violence, the situation of out-of-school children, and menstrual hygiene in Manma, Kalikot.

The event named 'Girls Standing Strong' was held under the slogan 'Art is Power.' With the goal of exposing social discrimination and problems through art while enhancing awareness, the program was organized under the Empowered Girls Project, facilitated by the Human Rights and Environment Development Centre (HURENDEC Nepal), Kalikot.

The event was aimed at empowering young girls and teenagers by fostering their creative abilities through art and self-expression. The primary objective was to strengthen their confidence and provide a platform to express their experiences and thoughts on issues such as social discrimination and violence.

The teenage girls performed an awareness-focused Deuda, using the art form to highlight critical social issues like child marriage, gender-based violence, menstrual hygiene, and the plight of out-of-school children. Through their performance, they sought to educate and alert society about these pressing concerns.

Chief guest Dhanjit Shahi emphasized that such programs not only raise awareness among teenage girls about social issues but also help enhance their creative expression. He acknowledged the seriousness of the issues raised through Deuda and stressed the need to expand such initiatives to drive social change.

Gauri Kumari Shahi, Chairperson of HURENDEC Nepal, stated that art is not just a medium of entertainment but also a powerful vehicle for awareness. She emphasized that the issues highlighted by the teenage girls are crucial for social transformation and expressed confidence that such awareness campaigns will contribute to the creation of a violence-free society.

Dilip Kumar Shahi, the District Manager of HURENDEC Nepal, shared that the organization has been conducting similar programs to empower teenage girls. He expressed happiness that the girls were able to convey social messages through art and assured that such initiatives would continue in the future to strengthen children's empowerment.

Plan International Nepal’s Program Coordinator, Diksha Bhat, stated that art is an effective medium for children's empowerment and positive societal change. She reiterated that the primary goal was to enable teenage girls to express their experiences and ideas through artistic means.

According to participants, the program provided teenage girls with an opportunity to express their emotions while also shedding light on societal issues. Representatives from Plan International Nepal and HURENDEC Nepal reaffirmed their commitment to continuing such programs. Participants believe that the "Art is Power" initiative has become a significant milestone in the empowerment of girls and teenagers.