Bajura, March 9, 2025 – Saathi, under the GBVPR-II initiative, organized an advocacy meeting in Bajura on March 9, 2025. The event aimed to enhance coordination among local Government and agencies working to address gender-based violence (GBV) and to seek support for the effective service delivery and resource management of the Safe House.
The meeting was conducted in coordination with the District Coordination Committee (DCC) and was attended by the representatives from organizations working in GBV prevention, response, and life skills development.
Key Discussions and Commitments:
Program Manager Palita Thapa welcomed the participants and outlined the objectives of the advocacy meeting. She emphasized that GBV continues to severely impact women and girls and that a collective effort is necessary for both prevention and response. She also urged stakeholders, including local governments (Palikas), to fulfill their commitments made in previous advocacy meetings. Additionally, she shared information about the logistic support planned for the Safe House in 2025.
Stakeholder Feedback and Suggestions:
- Krishna Adhikari, Chairperson of the NGO Federation, highlighted the challenges in pooling resources for Safe House operations. He stressed the importance of developing a sustainable management strategy and incorporating Safe House funding into local government plans.
- Tank Khadayat, Representative of the District Legal Assistance Committee, shared that while legal support is provided to survivors, additional expenses such as court fees remain a challenge. He also pointed out the difficulties faced by survivors, particularly those staying with children, in managing prolonged shelter needs.
- Nisha Rokaya from OCMC suggested that local governments can allocate resources to support the Safe House if they prioritize it. She also urged the Offices of Agriculture and Domestic and Small Industry to include GBV survivors in skill development programs to improve their livelihoods.
- Padam Singh, Chairperson of the Federation of Nepal Journalists, underscored the responsibility of all stakeholders in combating GBV. He committed to using media platforms to raise awareness and highlight GBV-related concerns.
Tulsiram Ram Rokaya, Cheairperson of the District Coordination Committee (DCC) recognized the importance of the Safe House and reaffirmed the DCC’s commitment to ensuring its continued operation. While acknowledging resource constraints, he highlighted ongoing efforts to secure funding and enhance sustainability with the support of the municiaplities. He called on development agencies to collaborate in providing interim support, while emphasizing the long-term goal of local government ownership.
