Background/ Introduction
The Human Development Report 2016 places Nepal in 144th HDI Rank which is categorized under medium human development category. It values 0.925 on Gender Development Index. The report presents 15 million girls in developing countries marry before age 18 and further predicts that if there is no reduction of early marriage among girls, by 2050, 18 million girls will be married before age 18. Nepal is not an exception to such practices. In addition, the global community, currently, is guided by SDGs that has mentioned Gender Equality (Goal 5) as one of the major goals. It mentions that ending all forms of discrimination against women and girls is not only a basic human right, but it also crucial to accelerating sustainable development. It has been proven time and again, that empowering women and girls has a multiplier effect, and helps drive up economic growth and development across the board. Attaining such situation of gender equality and a scenario of no gender violence among women and girls is challenging in Nepal. Moreover, Nepal’s human rights record was reviewed second time at the 23rd session of Human Rights Council on 4 November 2015 where Government of Nepal accepted key recommendations made to eliminate gender inequality and criminalizing harmful traditional practices and abolition of child marriage. Also, HR&D Country Strategy 2016-20 and EU Country Roadmap highly prioritize gender sensitive agendas. Thus, the Girls SAMVAD project is designed to contribute the issues of gender equality and existing violence on girls raised by HDI, SDGs, EU and UPR in Nepal.
Overall Objective:
To contribute towards realizing the rights and entitlements of adolescent girls, youth/women and children with special needs together with their families from marginalized groups educated, conscious on their roles, empowered to fight against social taboos and become less vulnerable in child marriage violence and trafficking for materializing the National Strategy to End Child Marriage.
Specific Objective:
Empowered adolescent girls together with families by building life skills to fight against child marriage dowry, dropouts, trafficking, discrimination and other forms of violence and malpractices through right based SAMVAD approach and further plan for better future and contribute to social transformation of their communities.
3000 Girls representing from 3,500 HHs Marginalized, Dalit and minority communities and children with special needs including aprox.15,000 people (women and mothers, parents, religions leaders, community leaders, government service providers, teachers) engage/involve in Bara and Parsa Districts.
Marginalized, Dalit and minorities families (Poor Adolescent Girls, Women, Youth, Dalit, Muslim and Madeshi) including government service providers, CBOs and local stakeholders
R1- Adolescent girls from Dalit and marginalized families developed confidence, self-esteem and enabled to claim their equal rights and cases of child marriage along with traditional harmful practices reduced
R2- Out of school and dropout adolescent Girls and children from targeted marginalized communities decreased
R3- Opportunities for local advocacy on girls empowerment and socio-economic enhancement options increased through active engagement of parents
- Establish and operate Girls SAMVAD Center (Dialogue Center) with trained animators and staff
- Strengthen and Mobilize Adolescents/youth and their networks for advocacy campaign against child marriage, violence and other form of social taboos
- Publication, orientation and dissemination of IEC/BCC materials
- Demonstrate rural/street dramas against child marriage/traditional harmful practices
- Support Bridge courses to girls in carrying on their education
- Provide specialized assistance to most needy girls
- Support school enrolment campaigns
- Campaign to Support in making girls friendly toilets and disability friendly small school structures
- Support Small Hands Programs initiated by adolescent girls members of SAMVAD and networks
- Initiate and roll out peer education programs to parents
- Support small scale Income Generating programs
- Girls Samvad Programme Brochure
- E-Bulletin H2020
- किशोरी संवाद (अंक ५, बैशाख, २०७८)
- किशोरी संवाद (अंक ४, असार/साउन, २०७७)
- किशोरी संवाद (अंक ३, भदाै/असाेज, २०७६)
- किशोरी संवाद (अंक २, फाल्गुण/चैत्र, २०७५)
- किशोरी संवाद (अंक १, असोज, २०७५)
- संवाद सञ्चालन निर्देशिका (भाग १)
- संवाद सञ्चालन निर्देशिका (भाग २)
- संवाद सञ्चालन निर्देशिका (भाग ३)
Achievement in Increasing Access or Capacity Building in STEM Education for Women and Girls of Color.
Over the past five years, Child Nepal has implemented a comprehensive approach to address the gender and racial disparities in STEM education and careers. Through the strategic initiatives, Child Nepal has achieved notable improvements in various key indicators.
Increased School/College Placement Rates: Child Nepal has consistently worked to provide scholarships and financial support to women and girls of color pursuing higher education in STEM fields. As a result, the college placement rate for female students from marginalized communities has increased by 25% over the past three years. This is a direct reflection of the organization’s efforts to reduce financial barriers and create pathways for higher education. These girls are outreach through Girls SAMVAD Centers and are enrolled in schools and colleges after assessment and verification.
Higher Graduation Rates: Child Nepal’s mentorship and support programs have contributed to a significant increase in the graduation rates of women and girls of color in STEM disciplines, particularly in Madhesh Province of Nepal. Over the past four years, the graduation rate for female students in STEM-related majors has risen by 20%, showcasing the impact of tailored guidance and mentorship.
Employment and Career Advancement: Child Nepal’s focus on career development has led to a 30% increase in the employment rate of women and girls of color in STEM fields within one year of graduation. Their career readiness workshops, networking events, and connections with industry professionals have played a pivotal role in creating meaningful employment opportunities.
Enhanced Test Scores and Academic Performance: The organization’s targeted tutoring and academic support programs have led to an average 15% improvement in standardized test scores among participants. By providing additional resources and personalized guidance, Child Nepal has helped women and girls of color overcome educational challenges and excel academically.
Community Engagement and Awareness: Child Nepal’s efforts to raise awareness about the importance of STEM education for women and girls of color have resulted in a 40% increase in community engagement. This includes participation in STEM workshops, seminars, and local events, fostering a culture of support and empowerment.
Long-Term Impact: Child Nepal has been tracking the long-term impact of their interventions. Five years after program participation through Girls SAMVAD project, over 63% of their beneficiaries are employed in STEM-related professions, contributing to the growth and diversification of the STEM workforce in Nepal. These quantitative data points demonstrate the significant achievements of Child Nepal in increasing access and capacity building in STEM education for women and girls of color. Through targeted scholarships, mentorship, career development, and community engagement, Child Nepal has made substantial progress in breaking down barriers and creating pathways for underrepresented groups to thrive in STEM fields.
