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The preparations for the ‘Ride for Life 2025’ cancer awareness cycle rally, organized in collaboration with Annapurna Media Network and Nepal Cancer Care Foundation, have been completed. The rally will kick off on Saturday at 6:30 am, with the goal of raising awareness about cancer. A total of 5,000 participants have registered for the event, and 33 corporate houses are supporting the initiative to make it a grand success. Annapurna Media Network has been organizing this rally annually to mark World Cancer Day, and this year marks its 10th edition.  

Speaking about the event, Manoj Basnet, General Manager of Annapurna Media Network, stated that the rally is an effort to spread awareness about cancer and encourage unity in the fight against the disease. He emphasized that the campaign aims to send a positive message to society, urging collective action against cancer. This year, the rally also highlights environmental sustainability under the theme "Climate-Friendly Action for a Cancer-Free Life." Over the past nine editions, more than 20,000 people have participated in this campaign.  

This year’s rally has received support from 28 corporate partners. The event’s main sponsor is KEI Nepal Laxmi E-Mobility Pvt. Ltd., while EV Nepal Motors and Ncell Foundation are power sponsors. Other key sponsors include Nepal Investment Mega Bank Ltd and Siddhartha Bank Ltd as banking partners, Shikhar Insurance as the insurance partner, DishHome as the internet partner, and eSewa as the payment partner. NAMI College is the education partner, while Upendra Devkota Memorial National Institute of Neurological and Allied Sciences is the medical partner. Additional support comes from companies like Quest Pharmaceuticals, Asian Paints, Mahalaxmi Bikas Bank, Muktinath Bikas Bank, Nepal Bank Ltd, Creative Abroad Studies, PABSON Nepal, Pankh Bike, Quality Durbar Banquet Restaurant, MIT College, Nepal Jaycees, Annapurna Ventures, and Simrik Air. Mato Nepal is the hydration partner, Fruit Agro is the beverage partner, and Dusit Thani Himalayan Resort Dhulikhel and Dusit Princess Kathmandu are the recreation partners. Nepal Cycling Association, Nepal Cycle Society, and Cycle City Network Nepal are providing technical support for the event. Basnet highlighted that collaborating with corporate houses provides unique and attractive exposure for advertisers.  

The rally will feature several key highlights. The ‘Climate-Friendly Action for a Cancer-Free Life’ Deck will be led by Miss Nepal 2023, Srichha Pradhan, and Shilshila Acharya, who was recognized among the BBC 100 Influential Women. Several renowned medical professionals will also participate, including Dr Manisha Ghimire from OAKMED Hospital, USA, and Dr Narayan Adhikari, a cancer specialist from Medanta Hospital, India. All participants will receive jackets and breakfast as part of the event.  

An additional attraction of the rally is the AMN-USA Deck, where the AMN-USA YouTube channel will host a video contest. Participants who subscribe to the channel and submit videos will have the chance to win cash prizes: $1,000 for first place, $500 for second place, and $250 for third place. The rally will also include an exciting lucky draw, with prizes such as a Pankh bicycle, a one-night stay for a couple at Dusit Thani Himalayan Resort Dhulikhel, a one-night stay and dinner package at Dusit Princess Kathmandu, a Tranquility Spa annual membership worth Rs 250,000, a 32-inch Panasonic TV, and 4K streaming devices from DishHome for three winners.  

The entire event will be broadcast live on AP1 TV, Annapurna Post Online (annapurnapost.com), Radio Annapurna Nepal 94 MHz, Annapurna Post’s Facebook page, and the AMN-USA YouTube channel, which is operated from the US. With its strong message of cancer awareness and environmental sustainability, the Ride for Life 2025 cycle rally aims to inspire a healthier, more conscious society.

Nepal’s first-ever young women-led Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) Shadow Report was unveiled at an event in Kathmandu. Organized by Yuwalaya, a youth-led organization advocating for gender equality, in collaboration with Plan International Nepal, the initiative highlights the challenges young women face across the country.

Young women aged 18-25 from all seven provinces played a key role in leading the report, which was developed through provincial discussions. The findings expose gaps in Nepal’s gender policies, particularly affecting marginalized communities, and call on the government and global stakeholders to take action.  

Key stakeholders, including representatives from the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the National Women Commission, the National Youth Council, and the National Human Rights Commission, attended the event alongside national and international civil society organizations and embassies.  

Speaking at the event, Yuwalaya President Dharma Raj Rimal emphasized the need for immediate action. “We don’t need to wait for ministers to start the equality movement. Change can begin in our workplaces, homes, and classrooms,” he said. 

Project Abhaya, in collaboration with Civil Outlook, conducted the ‘Governance Fellowship 2025’ from Jan 10 to 25. “The initiative aimed to equip young Nepalis with governance and leadership skills, fostering civic engagement and democratic values,” says the Project. The fellowship saw participation from 67 young leaders, including 37 men and 20 women, representing 22 districts across Nepal’s seven provinces. Over the course of six thematic sessions, distinguished speakers from various fields shared their expertise, guiding the fellows through key aspects of governance and policy making.

The program commenced with an introductory session on “Governance Foundation” on Jan 10, led by Sachin Timalsena, Former National Coordinator of Youth Congress Nepal. On Jan 11, Ashish Regmi, Executive Chief of the Policy and Research Academy, CPN-UML, conducted a session on “Legislation and Policymaking.” Judicial Officer at the Supreme Court, Shreya Sanjel, led a discussion on “Judicial Processes and Access to Justice” on Jan 17.

The fourth session, held on Jan 18, focused on “Inclusive Governance: Promoting Transparency and Understanding Rights and Responsibilities,” hosted by former Education Minister and MP, Shishir Khanal. The final day, Jan 24, featured two sessions—“Feminist Politics: Historical Movements and Grassroots Activism” by Binda Pandey, Former Member of the Constituent Assembly, and “Civic Engagement and Social Accountability” by Milan Pandey, Civil Engineer and member of Bibeksheel Sajha Party.

Project Abhaya Founder Ishika Panta underscored the importance of youth empowerment in governance. “At Project Abhaya, we believe real change starts with empowering young people. This fellowship was a step towards providing them with the tools, knowledge, and confidence needed to lead with purpose,” she stated.

The Pratibimba photography exhibition, held last week at the Nepal Academy of Fine Arts, shed light on the struggles of marginalized communities facing climate change and housing injustice. Organized by the All In Foundation in collaboration with Habitat for Humanity Nepal, the exhibition provided a platform for vulnerable groups to share their experiences through photography.

Featuring images captured by 10 youth participants from Rohingya refugee communities, informal settlements, and daily wage workers, the exhibition highlighted stories of resilience, survival, and hope. The young photographers used mobile phones to document their daily realities, offering a powerful perspective on the challenges of displacement and environmental threats.

A key theme of the exhibition was its decolonial approach, allowing marginalized voices to reclaim their narratives. As participant Nirmal Aryal noted, “This exhibition became a decolonial act, a mirror that centered our stories, perspectives, and truths, amplifying them in ways that defied the limits of language.”

A panel discussion on climate change and housing injustice featured experts such as Rupa Basnet, Srichchha Pradhan, Tashi Lhazom, and Sushila Diyali, moderated by Arnab Chaudhary. Discussions focused on legal frameworks, youth advocacy, Indigenous knowledge, and the role of visual storytelling in raising awareness. Additionally, Tashi Lhazom’s documentary ‘No Monastery, No Village’ was screened, further emphasizing the struggles of Indigenous communities affected by climate change.

While the physical exhibition has concluded, a virtual version remains available, allowing a global audience to engage with the impactful narratives. Organizers hope the exhibition will continue to inspire conversations and action on climate justice and housing rights.