Speakers at a program held in Kupondol, Lalitpur, on the occasion of the 116th International Women’s Day stressed that March 8, International Working Women’s Day, is a historic achievement of revolutionary struggle and must be defended in its original spirit.

The interactive program, titled “The Significance of March 8 and the Question of Women’s Liberation,” was jointly organized by the Revolutionary Women’s Organization, the All-Nepal Women’s Organization, and the Scientific Socialist Women’s Organization. Speakers said that March 8 emerged from the struggles of working women for suffrage, equal rights, and the broader socialist movement. They emphasized the need to preserve the Day’s revolutionary character and to continue the struggle for women’s liberation alongside the wider class struggle. They pointed out that women have long been oppressed under patriarchy, and argued that only by becoming politically conscious, organized, and active in class struggle can genuine liberation be achieved.

Extending his greetings on the occasion, C.P. Gajurel, General Secretary of the Revolutionary Communist Party of Nepal, said International Women’s Day is directly linked to revolution. Recalling the People’s War, he noted that women’s teams had led major military operations. He said that although the revolution has suffered setbacks, revolutionaries have not abandoned their path, adding that women’s liberation is possible only through a revolutionary movement. Gajurel further stated that a joint struggle committee of revolutionary parties had been formed during the election boycott, and that the revolutionary movement would be advanced through their united efforts. He remarked that even a prime minister with no role in securing women’s rights could still be regarded by some as a leader of the women’s movement, underscoring what he described as contradictions in mainstream politics. Warning that imperialism has now appeared in its “naked form,” he cautioned that Nepal could become a playground for imperialist forces. If Nepal were used as a base for attacks, he said, revolutionaries would resist, stressing the need to fight imperialism to defend the country and its people.

Ahuti, chairman of the Scientific Socialist Communist Party, said that the issue of women’s liberation must be firmly linked with class liberation. Noting that questions of sexuality are now being raised more seriously, he said communist parties must also consider how to address these issues. Gambhir, a Secretariat member of the Nepal Communist Party (Bahumat), said that revolutionary consciousness and unity are essential for women’s liberation. He stressed the need to focus on how to mobilize the masses to advance the revolutionary movement.

Sharada Mahat, co-convener of the Revolutionary Women’s Organization of Nepal, said that women, who make up half of the population, must advance hand in hand with men to build a transformed society. She argued that comprador capitalism and imperialism are intensifying the oppression of women and that working-class laborers must struggle against these forces. Co-convener of the All Nepal Women’s Organization, Pratima Bajgaain, shared the pain of women who had fought in the People’s War but were later compelled to return to domestic roles in the kitchen. Rajeshwari Subedi, coordinator of the Scientific Socialist Women’s Organization, shared her views on the historical and political significance of the day. Similarly, Usha Titikshu, a Photojournalist, pointed out that the time has come to think more deeply and seriously about women’s liberation.

The program also featured cultural and literary performances. Kamala Tamang recited the poem “Now I Will Not Be Silent,” Dinesh of the All Nepal Revolutionary Students’ Organization presented “A Mother’s Consciousness,” and Bishnu Nyaupane recited “Me As a Daughter.” The event was achored by Ruku Ranpal, while the welcome address was delivered by Manu B.K., co-coordinator of the Revolutionary Women’s Organization of Nepal. Participants observed a one-minute silence in memory of known and unknown martyrs. The program concluded with closing remarks from coordinator Rajeshwari Subedi.