On May 13, 2025, a national discussion program was held in Kathmandu under the Blue Umbrella Campaign to raise awareness about sexual violence against boys, a subject often overlooked in policy and public discussions. The event was organized by Voice of Children, in collaboration with Violence Against Boys Network (VAB Network), Hami Dajubhai, Family for Every Child, and the OAK Foundation.

The blue umbrella symbol used throughout the campaign represented protection, dignity, and solidarity for boys whose stories have remained unheard for too long. The event brought together representatives from the National Child Rights Council, National Center for Children at Risk ‘104, NGOs, along with media personnel and child rights advocates, united by the message: every child matters, regardless of gender.

The event aimed to break the silence surrounding the abuse faced by boys and to advocate for gender-inclusive child protection efforts. It emphasized that while attention has been given to the protection of girls, boys are also vulnerable to abuse and deserve equal recognition and support.

According to global studies, around 14.8% of males have experienced sexual abuse during childhood. UNICEF estimates that over 410 to 530 million boys and men globally have faced sexual violence as children. In Nepal, a 2008 study showed that 85% of street boys had experienced some form of sexual abuse, yet this issue continues to receive limited attention.

As part of this global campaign, a signature campaign has been launched worldwide to collect 100,000 signatures calling for stronger laws and protections for boys against sexual violence. The campaign urges support for the petition to mark Blue Umbrella Day as an International Day dedicated to raising awareness and safeguarding boys. In Nepal, Voice of Children has pledged to collect 36,000 signatures as part of the country’s contribution to the global movement. These signatures will be submitted to the United Nations to seek international recognition and support for inclusive child protection policies.

The event marked an important step toward inclusive child protection and opened up space for overdue conversations to overcome the taboo that boys don’t cry, boys don’t feel pain, or boys must always be strong. It challenged deep-rooted gender norms and highlighted the need to listen to all children’s experiences regardless of gender.