April 28, 2024, Mahendranagar, Kanchanpur – Saathi organized an interaction program on community mobilization in addressing Sexual and Gender-Based Violence. The event was attended by 50 participants from civil society and the media persons.
Ms. Suvekchya Rana, Executive Director of Saathi, highlighted the organization’s three-decade-long commitment to gender equity and women’s empowerment. She outlined the Generating Ownership Awareness & Liberation (GOAL): From Harmful Gender Stereotypes and SGBV program supported by AEIN Luxembourg, targeting harmful gender stereotypes and violence in two ward areas of Shuklaphanta and Krishnapur Municipalities.
Bandana Rana, a member of the UN CEDAW Committee, emphasized the need for male engagement in the campaign against domestic and gender violence, particularly in the Sudurpaschim province where such issues are more prevalent.
Mr. Santosh Pokharel, Portfolio Manager, shared insights from a baseline survey conducted prior to the project launch. The discussion focused on the necessity of selecting socially accepted and sensitive role models, sensitizing various community groups, and integrating these themes into educational content.
Bandana Rana also discussed the challenges of achieving a logical conclusion to transitional justice, despite 17 years since the comprehensive peace accord, highlighting the ongoing need for advocacy from civil society and conflict victims for the purpose.
Anup Nasnani, the program manager overseeing the GOAL project, said that the feedback provided by the participants would add to the project’s efficiency, making it impactful and addressing the community needs in more effective way.
