Girls: Better after quake

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)