On March 8, which is celebrated as the International Women’s Day, a local authority in Nepal organised an event, wherein married women raced with their husbands on their backs. The 100 metre race was held at a local school in Devghat Village Council, with an aim to promote gender equality.
“I participated in this race by carrying my husband on my back. I came here with [a] lot of courage and devotion. Although I did not manage to secure the top positions, I am happy that women are also given more priority and respect,” Pashupati Shrestha, one of the participants told ANI.
The race saw 16 couples of various age groups participating. Every participant was handed over a certificate of appreciation. “This is a friendly game where no awards in terms of monetary value are announced, but those who take part have been awarded a certificate,” Durga Bahadur Thapa, chief of the village council, which organised the event, told the portal.
“Women in the past were considered to go to their husband's house to do domestic chores and were told they need not study further. In the present society, a daughter and son are equal and we see both of them going to school together,” Thapa said in the interview.
“Through this event, we want to send out a message to others that women also are capable and are no way less than men when it comes to strength and psychological well-being,” Thapa concluded.
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