Dalit Women Rights Forum (DWRF) Nepal has a mission to end caste- and gender-based discrimination and ensure the meaningful participation of marginalized women and girls in all aspects of society. Since 2008, the organization has implemented programs focused on leadership development, education, economic empowerment, and advocacy to dismantle harmful practices like child marriage. Many girls supported by DWRF now confidently lead awareness campaigns and work with local leaders to improve the lives of adolescent girls.
In Nepal, deeply rooted caste- and gender-based discrimination persists against Dalit and other disadvantaged communities. Girls from these communities face intersecting challenges, including child marriage, school dropouts, early pregnancies, gender-based violence, and harmful traditional practices. Poverty and social norms drive many families to marry off their young daughters. Adolescent girls lose educational opportunities, face severe health risks, and become trapped in cycles of poverty and dependence.
With support from the Girls Opportunity Alliance Fund, DWRF will implement its Girls Empowerment Project to prevent child marriage and empower girls in the rural district of Kailali. The project will provide leadership and life skills training, and will educate girls on topics such as gender-based violence and reproductive health. DWRF will also conduct campaigns to educate community members about the consequences of child marriage and the benefits of girls’ education. The project will provide scholarships and economic empowerment programs to support families in reducing the financial pressure of early marriage.
Through this project, DWRF aims to directly reach 200 adolescent girls and expects to engage 150 additional community members. By strengthening girls’ leadership, engaging families, and reducing economic barriers, the organization envisions a significant decrease in child marriages and the creation of a safer, more equitable environment for all girls.
To learn more about Dalit Women Rights Forum, please visit the organization’s website and social media page:
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