Anupam Abhiyan is a visionary and transformative nationwide women’s movement initiated by the Inter-Generational Feminist Forum (IGFF)—a dynamic collective uniting feminists across Nepal. Conceptualized by SC member Rita Thapa, the campaign was launched in the aftermath of the November 2022 elections as a five-year initiative (2022–2027), redefining what it means to organize, empower and mobilize for gender justice in Nepal’s political and social landscapes.
A Vision Rooted in Feminist Solidarity
At the heart of Anupam Abhiyan is a call for inclusive and participatory change. Born out of reflections on how to deepen the visibility and impact of Nepal’s feminist movement, the campaign emphasizes innovation, inclusivity and collective strength. Its foundational vision is anchored in the belief that justice and power must be brought together—a sentiment inspired by philosopher Blaise Pascal’s assertion that “whatever is just must be powerful, and whatever is powerful must be just.”
Guided by these principles, Anupam Abhiyan fosters a holistic feminist movement that seeks to dismantle oppressive structures and build a society grounded in dignity, equity, and care.
Framework for Transformative Change
Anupam Abhiyan draws inspiration from the feminist strategy for transformative frameworks, focusing on achieving sustainable and long-lasting change that fundamentally challenges and shifts power, as well as systemic and structural inequalities.
- If we understand where the power lies and how it works,
- And we use feminist strategies: self-awareness, building solidarity and shifting power,
- Then we can redistribute power into the hands of movements and collectives,
- So long-lasting, sustainable change for gender equality is achieved.
Since power is the key to understanding and creating change, the movement uses the power cube model to understand how power operates at different levels:
Visible power – such as power within political parties and leadership.
Hidden power – including obstacles and challenges faced by women and marginalized communities in entering political spaces.
Invisible power – found in structures, systems, social norms, and the privileges one group holds over another.
*Inclusive of male allies engaging in feminist leadership, solidarity, and transformation.
Source: Harvey, Rowan, and Chloe Safier. Transformative Change for Gender Equality: Learning from Feminist Strategies. Kathmandu: Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, Nepal Office, 2021.
Within this framework, Anupam Abhiyan seeks to enable collective action by women, trans and non-binary people through a strong and resilient feminist network and movement to shift power. These dimensions converge to foster change that is deep, sustainable, and reflective of Nepal’s diverse lived realities.
To support this vision, Anupam Abhiyan employs three interlinked feminist strategies:
- Empathy and Self-Reflection: Centering care, healing, and thoughtful leadership.
- Building Solidarity: Emphasizing intersectionality, intergenerational learning, and broad alliances.
- Shifting Power: Using rights-based, participatory approaches that challenge patriarchal structures.
While this framework centers the collective action of women, trans, and non-binary people, it also creates space for male allies to engage deeply- with empathy, humility and commitment to justice as part of building solidarity and shifting power.
Symbolic Journeys, Collective Power
The East-West Yatra: A Symbol of Unity
Held from March 18 to 22, 2023, the East-West Bus Yatra was a landmark event in Anupam Abhiyan’s journey. Traversing across the country and culminating at Padmalaya (Nagarik Aawaz), this symbolic journey brought together women, men, individuals of diverse gender identities, people with disabilities, and members of the LGBTIQ+ community. It was not only a movement through geography but also history, memory, and solidarity.
236 Yatras Across 77 Districts
Counting from the start of its second year in March 2024 to March 2025, the campaign had successfully organized 236 Anupam Yatras across 77 districts using various forms of travel—on foot, by bicycle, in tempos, and buses. These localized journeys served as bridges between the movement and communities at every level—provincial, district, municipal, and ward—fostering grassroots dialogue, solidarity and participation. Each Yatra carries a clear message: Our collective presence is our collective weapon against injustice.
A Movement Beyond Advocacy
Anupam Abhiyan reimagines activism not only as advocacy but as philanthropy of presence and purpose. It transcends the traditional idea of giving by nurturing trust, empathy, and a shared commitment to justice.
Key Innovations and Contributions
- Women’s Empowerment Fund: Supporting community-led actions and economic dignity.
- Digital Platforms: Offering safe spaces for learning, reflection, and personal growth.
- Creative Expressions: Mobilizing art, song, poetry, and dance as tools for transformation.
- Inclusive Engagement: Actively involving marginalized voices and encouraging men’s self-actualization in feminist activism.
This inclusive approach has established Anupam Abhiyan not only as a campaign—but as a collective awakening.
Reframing Development and Power
The campaign emphasizes a paradigm shift in how development is envisioned in Nepal. Moving away from dependency models, Anupam Abhiyan advocates for:
- Self-reliance over donor dependency
- Dignity over charity
- Justice over concession
- Power with, not power over
It holds accountable those who sustain inequality for personal or political gain and draws inspiration from Gandhian ideals—asserting that “there is enough in the world for everyone’s need, but not for everyone’s greed.”
Toward 2027 and Beyond
As Anupam Abhiyan enters its third year, the movement continues to strengthen and grow. With a growing network of allies and associates, the campaign is driving forward a movement where women’s political agency, community resilience, and intersectional inclusion are central to Nepal’s future.
It is a historical five-year-long movement in the building—a global legacy in the making. A movement that learns from the past, engages the present, and envisions a future where justice and power are inseparable, and where no one is left behind.
Anupam Abhiyan is a Nepali women’s movement. It is a collective journey—one that nurtures dignity, dares to challenge, and dreams of a just and powerful society.
For more information and updates, visit the IGFF official website or follow Anupam Abhiyan on Instagram.
Compiled by: Kripa Rana Shahi with the IGFF Secretariat
IGFF 
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