The British Council in Kathmandu will be hosting the Wall of Hope official launch event on October 31- students from participating schools will paint a Wall of Hope at the Council premises while dignitaries, sports figures and film celebrities will be invited to paint "Hands Off" messages in support of this important social campaign initiated by Human Rights Film Focus Nepal (HRFFN). The British Ambassador to Nepal is invited to co-host the event with the Director of British Council Kathmandu, Brendan McSharry.

A Wall of Hope is a sign of hope, a symbol of resistance, and an opportunity to advocate for the rights of women, girls, and children, all whom remain the most vulnerable in our societies. The campaign for stopping violence against women and girls, and gender rights, will require a long term commitment of people and resources that will be sustained by hope, love and unrelenting advocacy. We invite all concerned stakeholders to take up this struggle and encourage your community to do the same.

Schools across Nepal, and in other parts of the world, are being invited to participate in the Wall of Hope Campaign which will provide educational and advocacy opportunities that will address gender issues in their communities. Compelling educational documentary films will be the primary educational tool of the Campaign with schools providing additional resources and information. The Wall of Hope Campaign’s unifying element and activity is painting a Wall of Hope, and on December 10, marching for human rights to help end violence against women.

The Wall of Hope Campaign is a component of the HRFFN Half The Sky Film and Arts Festival taking place from November 25-December 10 in Kathmandu and Patan. Till date, administrators from over 140 schools and colleges have signed up for this innovative and unique education, art and advocacy project to end violence against women and girls. According to Jai Crystal, HRFFN Global Outreach Coordinator, activists from other countries are also beginning to get involved. Please watch the Wall of Hope Campaign Video on Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/70097151.

Sheha Shrestha, a gifted Nepali artist and founder of the Nepal Children's Art Museum, is the Artistic Director for the Wall of Hope Campaign. She will be coordinating the launch and the mural painting by NCAM on October 30. Kathmandu University student volunteers will also be involved in the launch event along with other Wall paintings in Kathmandu. The Media are invited to attend this path-breaking launch event. The film - 'From Fear To Freedom: Stopping Violence Against Women' – is scheduled to be screened before the Press Conference at the British Council in Lazimpat.