Forum Theater Performance on Digital Violence Showcased in Seven Districts

Pokhara: As part of legal awareness regarding gender-based violence, a forum theater play titled "Swatantra Paila" (Independent Steps), based on digital violence, has been staged in various locations across the country. From Poush 20 to Magh 4, the play was performed at 21 locations across seven districts: Banke, Dang, Rupandehi, Parsa, Makwanpur, Gorkha, and Kaski.

The play was produced by Malika Media and organized by the Forum for Women, Law and Development (FWLD), Kathmandu. It was written and directed by Rabin Tamang. The cast includes actors Diwakar Ghimire, Deepmala Pariyar, Aarush Magar, Asmita Dhakal, Niswam Thapa Magar, Surendra Chhetri, and Rabin Tamang.

Advocate Binu Lama of FWLD stated that the play was performed in various districts with the aim of increasing community-level awareness about violence against women and girls through digital media, its impacts, legal aspects, and self-empowerment. 

She remarked, "Even though the current generation has entered the digital age, patriarchal thinking has not yet been removed from society. On one hand, domestic violence against women still exists in many places, and on the other, incidents of violence through digital platforms are increasing. This is leading to mental pressure and cases of suicide." 

She emphasized that preventing and reducing these incidents is an urgent necessity, which is why the forum theater was organized.

The play attempts to raise awareness against gender and digital violence while highlighting existing social problems and how to control them. Program coordinator and theater artist Surendra Chhetri mentioned that the play was performed before an audience of over 5,000 people, with three shows held in each district.

The drama raises awareness about various issues such as incidents of gender-based violence, cybercrime, misuse of social media, and discrimination between sons and daughters, while providing information on legal remedies. 

Director Rabin Tamang noted that the play encourages victimized women to seek justice, explore legal solutions, and raise their voices against violence.