A Wall of Hope at the National Human Rights Commission Cements a Movement of Influence and Assertion | Veneeta Singha

A Wall of Hope at the National Human Rights Commission Cements a Movement of Influence and Assertion

The theme for International Women’s Day 2015 is “empowering women, empowering humanity.” A wall of hope, then, is a perfect conduit and expression of this ideal of advancement. Hope suggests an empowered humanity. A wall is a both a metaphorical allusion and a structure of strength, safety and boundary. The Wall of Hope, as defined, applied and projected by HRFFN, is, perhaps, the most timely and impactful premise on which to campaign for and direct women’s empowerment. Violence does beget violence in more ways than one.

The hands of support and illustration on HRFFN’s Walls of Hope are young hands, symbols of the future. In a world of flux, a world of hope and vigor must, necessarily, occur and assert. Just as “another brick in the wall” transformed into a powerful message against forces of oppression at the time, HRFFN’s painted and printed representations are now well-known communiqués of influence. Women do make up half the sky. It follows that anything less than hope must not characterize our lives and our collective future.

The program at the National Human Rights Commission began with students from three schools in Kathmandu gathering together. The film ‘Girl Effect’ was showing on the screen and music streamed in reminding us how important a communicative endeavour and, indeed, place we were all a part of. HRFFN Director, Bev, explained the day’s agenda and the word "petition" stood out in my mind too. The Petition, a part of the Wall of Hope Campaign and to be signed and presented to the Constituent Assembly, is a crucial part of democracy. It will, indeed, remind and, hopefully, persuade the people of Nepal and abroad in the future as well.

The painting of hands on Walls of Hope made of flex across Kathmandu (and now Nepal) is integral to our sphere. Yesterday, the Commissioners of NHRC graced this action and movement for autonomy and equality with renewed vitality. Why do we celebrate International Women’s Day? As a young student, I was part of a school debate on women’s emancipation. As I watched the students discuss the petition, the Wall and listen to the event speakers, it felt almost exhilarating that the world was now calling for empowerment.  Thank you to all the students who have participated in the Wall of Hope programs. Thank you to HRFFN and NHRC. The hallowed halls of Harihar Bhawan, ringing with enthusiasm over ideals of enlightenment, have strengthened my own resolve and solidarity to help end violence against women.