Our project is located in the most north-western region of Nepal in a village called Simikot, which lies around 3100 m above sea level. No roads lead to Simikot hence all goods are transported by plane or carried to the next larger locations by humans or animals as the area belongs to one of the most underdeveloped in the country. Due to the steep and barren landscape only limited agriculture is possible, and long, relentless winters can lead to hunger and malnutrition for 6 months.
Limited options for education until date lead to high illiteracy rates (20% for men and 60% for women). Traditional gender roles, the strict caste system and widespread poverty perpetuate dangerous traditional practices such as the ‘boy-child-preference’, child marriage, or banishing women from the house during her period (Chhaupadi). Other consequences are exploitation and domestic violence. The main victims are women and girls.