February 9, 2026, Kanchanpur, Far-western Province – Saathi organized sharing and review meetings with GBV Monitoring Groups as part of the implementation of the 2026 Annual Plan under the GOAL Project across both project areas. The GOAL Project is implemented with the support of AEIN – Aide à l’Enfance de l’Inde et du Népal, with funding from the Luxembourg Ministry of Development Cooperation and the Luxembourg Ministry of Environment, Climate and Sustainable Development.
The meetings aimed to share the 2026 Annual Plan, reflect on key achievements from 2025, assess the effectiveness of psychosocial counselling and referral support for survivors of gender-based violence, and strengthen collective efforts for the prevention and response to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).
Key Highlights of the Meetings
- Members appreciated the GOAL Project’s integrated approach, combining community engagement, advocacy, livelihood support, and psychosocial services.
- Targeted support to survivors was recognized as instrumental in strengthening resilience, dignity, and empowerment.
- Psychosocial counselling and referral services were highlighted as life-saving interventions that contribute to survivor well-being and family stability.
- Community awareness initiatives were noted for reducing stigma, improving reporting mechanisms, and increasing access to services.
- Consistent follow-up and survivor-friendly services have strengthened trust between communities and service providers.
Key Feedback and Way Forward
The meetings generated the following key feedback and priorities for the way forward:
- Expand small business and livelihood support initiatives to reach a larger number of vulnerable beneficiaries, with a focus on long-term economic independence and resilience.
- Ensure regular and structured follow-up for survivors receiving psychosocial counselling, including continuous case monitoring and timely referrals to address evolving needs.
- Increase school-based youth engagement and awareness activities to prevent drug abuse and online violence, while promoting psychosocial well-being, positive coping mechanisms, and safe behaviors among adolescents.
- Continue capacity-building support for GBV Monitoring Groups to enhance community outreach, early identification, and effective response to GBV cases.
Local government representatives reaffirmed their commitment to collaboration. Ward Chair Sher Bahadur Saud (Ward No. 11, Shuklaphanta Municipality) and Ward Chair Arjun Saud (Ward No. 2, Krishnapur Municipality) acknowledged Saathi’s significant contribution to positive change among women and youth, and to advancing gender equality within their communities.
