Kathmandu, Nepal – October 4, 2024 – A delegation led by the French Ambassador to Nepal, Excellency Virginie Corteval, visited Saathi’s women and children shelter to observe the organization’s ongoing efforts in combating violence against women and children. Saathi’s President, Sajani Amatya, warmly welcomed the ambassador and her team during the visit. The visiting team included Elsa Calley, Deputy chief of mission, and Deepesh Bidari from the embassy.
The Executive Director of Saathi, Suvekchya Rana, briefed the delegation on the various programs and interventions the organization has been implementing to address violence against women and children in Nepal. Pinky Singh Rana, Executive Board member of Saathi, expressed her gratitude to the French Embassy and the French police for their support, particularly in tackling online child sexual abuse. Anup Nasnani, Program Manager of Saathi, informed the visiting delegates about the past partnership with French embassy and French police while addressing child sexual exploitation on Travel and Tourism sector.
Ambassador Corteval praised Saathi’s efforts in addressing sexual and gender-based violence, highlighting the importance of such initiatives.
The French Embassy has been a key supporter of Saathi, contributing to several important initiatives, including the distribution of 200 Dignity Kits to women survivors of violence in shelter homes located in Kapilvastu and Nepalgunj. The embassy’s assistance has also been vital in strengthening Saathi’s data management system, raising awareness on technology-facilitated violence in schools and colleges, and supporting the National Conference on Women’s Shelters in Nepal.
Additionally, the French Embassy played a crucial role in facilitating Training of Trainers programs on Online Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation, as well as running a social media awareness campaign focused on the same issue.
