Kathmandu : “The energy from the crowd, all the female performers were fantastic. And it was a really special and great day. If we can do this kind of thing on a regular basis, keep the energy going, repeating the message — no to violence, we will make a difference,” UN Women Representative Ziad Sheikh spoke about the Women in Concert that took place on March 8 at Lainchour Ground.
The International Women’s Day was celebrated with the concert that witnessed 21 female women powers on one stage. Ani Choying Drolma started the show with Phul Ko Ankhama ending with a group song Nepali Nari, the composition of Abhaya Subba-Wiese. Other performers included Nattu, Kristina Allen, Shreya Sotang, Kunti Moktan, Abhaya and The Steam Injuns and Ciney Gurung and her band to name a few.
Moktan performed Mathi Mathi Sailungema to give a folksy touch to the free concert. Meanwhile, Abhaya and The Steam Injuns rocked the stage and venue with songs like Sara Sansar, Ramauna Deuna Haami Lai and Siri Ma Siri among others. Subba-Wiese spoke about women through her songs as well as passed on the message “not to tolerate” violence.
Altogether it was an enthralling and meaningful performance. Gurung rendered a soulful number like Maya sung to the screaming fans. She too rocked it.
With varied performances, the venue that was quite filled with audience got to listen to different sounds of music on with valuable lessons on violence against women.
There were almost equal number of men and women at the concert. On the Women’s Day, men were also having fun. Hari Ram Paudel felt the concert was a “positive step”. He added, “There are different ways to make people aware. Music is one effective way, it can attract people of all ages. Lots of people were present here and I believe whatever messages have been delivered today will make an impact to bring down violence against children and wom-en.”
As a believer in non-violence, he will do the same in his family and society.
Moreover, 17-year-old Bikash Lama and 18-year-old Sandesh Lama, got the message loud and clear. “We will pay attention to the message of ‘No violence’,” was what they had to say after the concert. These fans of Moktan “enjoyed the concert”. Among the many men at the concert, Durga Prasad Khatiwada remarked, “Female performers performed great and they brought out issues of violence as well. It will help to spread awareness.”
He felt that “men should be involved to put an end to violence” which is why he expressed, “Men’s involvement was not enough in the concert”. — HNS
