‘V Men Club’ in Lifestyle-Oriented Community Schools: Changing Attitudes, Changing Generation

The ‘V Men Club’, operating in schools of Lalitpur and Kathmandu, is educating students on gender equality, awareness against violence, and social responsibility. Initially launched exclusively for students due to limited wider engagement, the club provides them with a safe space to express their emotions and social pressures. The club runs in various community and private schools across Lalitpur and Kathmandu, offering practical knowledge to boys about gender equality, respect, consent, violence prevention, emotional expression, and social accountability.

Going beyond textbook knowledge, the club’s activities include dialogue, sports, group initiatives, and experience sharing, which participants say have begun to influence changes in students’ mindsets, behavior, and family relationships. For Grade 9 student Rivaaj Adhikari, the ‘V Men Club’ became more than an extracurricular activity; it was an opportunity to understand himself and society from a new perspective. Initially joining out of curiosity, he now holds a different view on society, gender, and behavior.

“Earlier, I simply viewed society as normal,” said Rivaaj, “but now I have started understanding why discrimination occurs and how it can be changed.” He explains that the club helped him reflect on the expectations and pressures society places on boys. “We learned to question the idea that boys must always be strong and tough. I also realized the importance of treating others with respect,” he shared.

For Ram Bahadur Adhikari, a Grade 7 student, the club became a way to boost his confidence. He admitted that he used to feel shy about speaking up. “Earlier I found it difficult to speak openly, but now I can express my thoughts,” he said. According to him, the club discusses gender equality alongside behavior, respect, and social relationships, which has shifted his views on household roles. “I used to think that household chores were only for women,” Ram Bahadur said, “but now I believe both men and women should share responsibilities.”

Student Anshad Chaudhary said the club helped him understand the difference between ‘equality’ and ‘equity’. “Treating everyone the same is equality, while giving opportunities and support according to needs is equity,” he explained. Anshad noted that societal notions like “this is boys’ work” and “this is girls’ work” are still prevalent. “Both boys and girls can do all types of work,” he emphasized. He also mentioned that he tries to change discriminatory mindsets among his peers. “When friends separate tasks by gender, I now explain that such thinking is wrong,” he shared.