Girls: Better after quake

Visible Impact has been continuously working to empower adolescent girls and women through leadership development and education on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) in sensitive regions affected by the earthquake. TheChepang community, an indigenous group known for their deep connection to nature, in Gorkha district, one of the most affected areas by the devastating earthquake of 2015, has been one of key beneficiary groups. Our MHM for Chepang Girls initiative has been able to strengthen the girls’ understanding of key issues in SRHR and helped them develop the confidence and skills to advocate for change within their communities. 

Building Leadership within the Community 

Twenty Chepang girls were trained as Youth Champions, gaining valuable knowledge on SRHR, menstrual health management (MHM), early marriage, and teenage pregnancy. Each Youth Champion received mentorship from one of four local coordinators, community members who provided continuous guidance and support. Each coordinator worked closely with five Youth Champions, creating a collaborative learning environment that enhanced both leadership and teamwork. The coordinators also received a monthly stipend, which provided them with income while they oversaw and supported the activities of the girls. 

Improved Knowledge and Confidence 

The training led to measurable progress. Participants including Youth Champions, local coordinators, and a school representative showed an average knowledge increase of 35.8% in SRHR-related topics. This improvement reflected the effectiveness of participatory learning approaches and demonstrated the participants’ ability to translate information into practical understanding. 

“I was really happy to participate in the training. It was my first experience, and I learned many new things. I will be delivering sessions in my school and community with the same enthusiasm as our facilitators.” 

- Participant, MHM Training for Chepang Girls 

“Earlier, I felt embarrassed to even say that I was having menstruation. The program helped me realize that it is completely natural. We should not feel ashamed to talk about reproductive health.” 

- Participant, MHM Training for Chepang Girls 

Strengthening School Environments 

In addition to the capacity building programs, four schools were equipped with menstrual-friendly facilities, including repaired doors, sanitary pad supplies, and toiletries. These upgrades created safer and more supportive environments for girls, helping to reduce absenteeism during menstruation. The initiative also encouraged open dialogue on menstrual hygiene, reduced stigma, and promoted healthier practices among students. 

Community Awareness and Participation 

Through activism and intra-school competitions, more than 500 individuals including adolescents, parents, and teachers were sensitized on menstrual hygiene, early marriage, and teenage pregnancy. These efforts strengthened community engagement, encouraged intergenerational dialogue, and reduced stigma surrounding SRHR. Adolescents developed leadership skills and became more confident in advocating for their rights and wellbeing. 

Education and Skill Development 

The project also supported participants in enhancing their educational and technical skills. Five Youth Champions and two local coordinators completed basic and diploma-level computer courses, improving their digital literacy and future employment prospects. Additionally, one local coordinator received financial support to pursue higher studies in Arts, contributing to her personal growth and academic development. 

Recognition and Local Support 

Local officials and community leaders observed noticeable improvements in the girls’ confidence and public speaking abilities. During mid-term and dissemination meetings, they shared that the girls were now more outspoken and comfortable expressing their opinions. 

“Initially, these girls were unable to speak up or even introduce themselves in front of us. We have seen tremendous progress - they now confidently express their thoughts. Early marriage and teenage pregnancy are common in this community, but by engaging these 24 girls in activism, you have helped prevent them from following that same path.” 

- DipakTimilsina, Chairperson, Gandaki Rural Municipality 

“I was very happy to see these girls making efforts for a brighter future. I know how challenging it is for them to continue their education due to poverty. After Babita (a Youth Champion) completed her Secondary Education Examination, I assured her that if she faces any financial difficulty, I will support her through a scholarship.” 

- Ward Chairperson, Ward No. 7, Gandaki Rural Municipality 

Impact 

The initiative helped nurture a generation of confident young women who are capable of leading change within their communities. Through education, mentorship, and advocacy, the Youth Champions and coordinators built the knowledge and confidence needed to challenge stigma, promote education, and inspire their peers. 

Visible Impact’s community-based approach strengthened local ownership and leadership among the Chepang people. The experiences and skills gained by the girls and their mentors are expected to have lasting effects, contributing to a more informed, empowered, and equitable community. 

Moving forward, the initiative seeks to broaden its reach by introducing vocational training opportunities that foster economic independence and sustainable livelihoods. With the continued partnership of donors and stakeholders, Visible Impact remains dedicated to creating a brighter and more equitable future for young marginalized girls in Nepal. 

The Chepangs are recognized as one of the indigenous groups in our community, known for their deep connection with nature. Their lives revolve around the natural environment - living near forests, consuming wild roots and tubers, and fishing in rivers. In Gandaki Rural Municipality of Gorkha District, they inhabit four wards. 

Compared to other ethnic groups in the area, the Chepang community faces severe challenges across economic, educational, and political dimensions, leaving them highly marginalized. Poor economic conditions restrict access to education and basic needs, resulting in a high prevalence of early marriage and child labor. Children are often forced to skip school to work, particularly in hotels. These patterns also contribute to early pregnancies, leading to health issues among women and malnutrition among children. These issues were further intensified after the devastating earthquake that struck Gorkha in 2015, which severely affected the already fragile infrastructure and livelihoods of the Chepang people.

To address these urgent challenges, Visible Impact launched an initiative focused on building the capacity of adolescent girls in the Chepang community by equipping them with advocacy and leadership skills. A three-day intensive residential training was conducted with participation from representatives of Gandaki Rural Municipality. The training covered key topics such as menstrual myths, reproductive health, family planning, early marriage, teenage pregnancy, and gender-based violence. 

Through this program, girls became advocates for menstrual health management (MHM) in their schools and communities. The training aimed not just to enhance knowledge but also to foster leadership, activism, and confidence. Local coordinators were trained from within the community to ensure sustained guidance and long-term support for these youth champions. 

“After receiving training from this organization, I have gained the confidence to raise my voice and express my opinion in different spaces. We have been actively educating both boys and girls about menstrual health management in schools.” - Beneficiary I 

The training encouraged open discussions about menstruation, hygiene, and nutrition. Before, girls would only inform female teachers if they were menstruating. Now, they feel confident enough to inform even male teachers - a significant shift in cultural norms. 

“Now I not only know about menstruation but can also talk about it. Earlier, I couldn’t even share it with sisters, mothers or friends, but now I can talk about it even with strangers. I’ve learned what foods to eat and what products to use. The biggest achievement for me is that I can now teach others. I hope those I teach will pass this knowledge on to future generations.” - Beneficiary II 

Most importantly, the initiative sparked behavioral change - not just in the youth champions themselves, but also in those they educated. One girl shared how students who were once shy gradually opened up after a month of regular conversations. Menstrual hygiene practices also improved - pads were no longer discarded carelessly in toilets, showing a growing sense of dignity and responsibility. 

Through these small but meaningful changes, we see the potential to optimize menstrual health management and bring about lasting impact. Large-scale transformation starts with small, consistent efforts. 

“If there had been awareness programs earlier, I wouldn’t have gotten married so young. Even after marriage, I want to achieve something and prove myself. Visible Impact has given us opportunities to learn useful skills. If these types of programs continue, we can truly show what we are capable of.” - Beneficiary III 

“Gandaki Rural Municipality, in collaboration with federal and provincial governments and various organizations, is working to uplift the Chepang community.Visible Impact is also playing a significant role in our municipality, especially in menstrual health, education, and awareness. However, one initiative alone cannot bring change. We need collective effort to ensure the rights and equality of all communities in Nepal.” - Chairperson, Gandaki Rural Municipality 

The journey of these Chepang girls is a powerful reminder: change is possible when we invest in courage, education, and empowerment. But this is just the beginning. To break the cycle of inequality, we must invest further in these young girls. Together, we can build a future where every voice is heard, and every dream is within reach. 

Looking ahead, the initiative aims to expand its impact by offering vocational training programs that promote financial independence and long-term stability. With ongoing support from donors and partners, we remain committed to building a brighter, more equitable future for Chepang girls in Nepal. 

• Chepang_Girls_Advocacy_Photos.pdf (PDF)