Nepal: EmpowHER - Strong Women, Strong Communities

Background and project context

As a former kingdom, Nepal is known for its cultural, religious and linguistic diversity. However, in addition to the rich traditions and customs, there is also a relatively strict social order that disadvantages and marginalises certain people. Women in particular are often affected by this, as some of the traditions contradict women's rights, such as discrimination during menstruation or arranged child marriages. Girls are also often given fewer educational opportunities than boys and are less able to participate in public life. This has created a cycle of discrimination against women over generations.

To counteract this problem, young Nepalese women receive support in the Horyzon project. They are strengthened in their role and self-confidence. The participants can attend five-day courses, for example in the areas of gender equality, family planning, finance or women's rights. They then pass on their knowledge to other women in their community. The course participants thus act as multipliers and contact persons who can listen to and help other women with questions and problems in their lives. In regular group meetings, accompanied by mentors, the women can exchange ideas and learn from each other. In addition, half-day workshops on various health topics are offered for people of all genders and ages.

The project reaches women from different generations and life situations. They can acquire knowledge in the courses and then pass this on to other women in their environment. In this way, it is possible to change discriminatory behaviour in society in the long term and strengthen the rights of women in Nepal.

Locations

Activities & Effects

Young women are trained to be leaders

Activities
  • 50 young women are trained in gender equality, human rights and prevention of sexual violence in a 5-day workshop. At the same time, they acquire leadership skills so that they can pass on what they have learned in their communities.
Effect
  • The young women educate other women about their rights and dare to challenge discriminatory cultural norms and traditions.

Women's groups as a safe space

Activities
  • 50 young women meet regularly in women's groups in which they discuss intimate, personal issues concerning their womanhood. The women's groups are each accompanied by a leader from project part 1 (“young women are trained to be leaders”) and informed about their rights.
  • 90 women are educated about their sexual and reproductive rights in 2-day workshops.
Effect
  • The young women are aware of their rights and dare to demand them in the family and the community.

Building bridges between generations

Activities
  • 90 women from different generations are educated by external experts about relevant women's issues such as contraception, breast cancer, menstruation and domestic violence.
Effect
  • Through intergenerational exchange on relevant women's issues, the collective breaking down of discriminatory norms and traditions becomes possible.
Activities worldwide
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Further information

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Facts about the project

Name: EmpowHER - Strong Women, Strong Communities
Partner organization: YWCA Nepal
Location: Kathmandu, Nepal
Goal: Young women stand up for their rights and gender equality in a self-determined way.
Participants: 380 young Nepalese women who are disadvantaged due to their caste, social status or economic position
Required funds 2024: CHF 62'500
Duration: Project exists since 2023, current phase: 2023 - 2024
Responsible: Elisha Frei, elisha.frei at horyzon.ch

Facts about South Sudan

Population: 29,2 millions
Capital: Kathmandu
Human Development Index: 0,602 (rank 143 of 191)
Life expectancy: 68,4 years

Source: Human Development Report