Kathmandu — Supreme Court Justice Sapana Malla Pradhan has said that technology must not be allowed to become a weapon of violence. Addressing an interaction program jointly organized by Nepal Law Campus, the Forum for Women, Law and Development (FWLD), and the Nepal Tourism Board, she stated: “Society must be connected with technology, and we must be able to embrace change.”

Speaking at the program organized under the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, Justice Pradhan said that traditional forms of violence still persist in society. She highlighted that derogatory language and patriarchal thinking continue to sustain violence. According to her, violence in Nepali society has not decreased; instead, its forms have evolved while remaining deeply rooted. She added, “Invisible forces prevent the voices of society from being heard. Injustice against women continues. To reduce this, we must connect with intersectionality.”

Sharing her experiences from the judiciary, Justice Pradhan said that 99 percent of domestic violence cases involve women victims, while men also face violence but account for less than one percent of such cases.

She explained that violence against women occurs at home, in public spaces, and in workplaces. Pointing to marital violence as an example of the law entering private spaces, she said, “Sex is not only about violence; it is also a matter of rights. To treat sexuality as a right, the patriarchal mindset must change first.”

“Not all men are violent. When we move forward with the support of men, change in society comes faster and becomes more effective,” she said. “If men and women fly together and institutional commitments are made against gender-based violence, we can reduce the violence prevalent in society.”

At the event, Nepal Law Campus professor Manisha Poudel said that the Campus has been conducting the 16 Days of Activism for the past four years. This year, however, the campaign was carried out differently with support from the Nepal Tourism Board and FWLD. She added that such programs help students test their knowledge, skills, and experience, prompting a more innovative campaign this year.

Dr. Rita Thapa from the Bhaskar Tejashree Memorial Foundation highlighted research findings on violence against women and children. She shared data showing that 66 percent of schoolchildren face violence, while 22 percent face violence from teachers. Citing a study from Lumbini Province, she said, “74 percent of women face sexual abuse, and among them, 31 percent of the victims are children under the age of ten.”

Students from Nepal Law Campus performed a play titled “Let’s Begin a Joint Journey to Bring Violence to Zero,” and various artworks created against gender-based violence were also exhibited. The program concluded with a panel discussion on violence against women.

The panel featured Vidya Kumari Sinha from the National Women Commission, human rights activist Renu Raj Bhandari, and FWLD advocate Sushma Gautam. Advocate Gautam emphasized that unless women are made economically and socially empowered, violence inflicted by family and community members cannot end. She said the government must ensure women’s access to education and employment opportunities. She added, “We spent many years bringing laws into place, and now the real task is to implement these existing laws effectively.”