23

In 2019, 23 young mothers and their newly borns or small children found refuge in our women’s shelter in Simikot.

Women and girls, who have been victims of physical violence can stay in our shelter. During their stay, we offer legal counselling for the victims as well as their families to find long-term solutions to tackle domestic violence.

Moreover, our shelter serves as safe space for women and girls requiring a place to sleep during Chhaupadi (when a women has her period). Hence, many women from the village spend several nights each month in our shelter during menstruation.

315

Up to 315 women and girls took part in our women’s groups, which addressed social, legal and health issues in 2019. We educated those women on GBV and harmful traditions. We conveyed to them knowledge about women’s rights and reproductive health.

Together we attempted to find solutions to tackle the women’s daily hardships, for instance, through sewing sanitary pads out of old fabrics. As the women’s hygiene during menstruation could be maintained this way, they were able to stay at home.

We also trained women in raising their voices about perpetuated discrimination, violence and injustice against women.

2000

In 2019, we brought awareness to around 2000 people on a weekly basis with our local radio program that broaches issues such as GBV and discrimination against women.

Furthermore, over 84 men participated in our men’s group in 2019. The group addresses domestic violence as well as addictions common among the male population. The goald is to open up to sensitive discussions about gender-based discrimination as well as patriarchal traditions.

As community leaders and shamans are included in our programs, which intend to bring positive change for the whole society, the project is more widely accepted.

273

In the last year, we were able to generate extra income opportunities through which women could raise their living standards and became more financially independent.

Females of the village are trained in agricultural practices such as field tiling, growing vegetables in green houses, in the poultry business and through our beekeeping project. The learned skills prepare women to run their own businesses one day. The harvest either helps to cover their daily consumption needs or can be sold as surplus, often the only income generating opportunity for the women. Due to our connection to business groups, the women are supported on an ecological basis. Under professional guidance, women learn how to plan a business, to do the bookkeeping, and how to save money for investments. This way, a basis for sustainable livelihoods is created.