Safe Space for Women in Nepal

We began 2026 with the implementation of the Social Center and Preschool Education Support project in Thamel, Kathmandu, focused on protecting girls and women from sexual exploitation and human trafficking within the adult entertainment sector. During this first quarter, activities concentrated on direct outreach to beneficiaries, the provision of services through the social center, and psychosocial and healthcare support.

The activities carried out have enabled us to establish contact with women in vulnerable situations, facilitate their access to essential services, and create safe spaces where they can receive support. Below is an overview of three of the main activities implemented between January and March 2026.

1. Outreach Visits and Direct Contact with Women

During the reporting period, the team conducted outreach visits to workplaces where women are at risk, including spas, massage parlours, and dance bars. Through these visits, the team reached 220 women across 155 spa and massage establishments, as well as 65 women working in dance bars.

These visits enabled direct interaction with the women, allowing staff to better understand their situations and provide information about the services available through the project. To facilitate communication and build trust, emotional cards, visual materials, and images were used as engagement tools, helping to establish a closer connection with the beneficiaries.

These interactions revealed that many women enter this sector due to family problems, unemployment, financial hardship, or the influence of people around them. The team also observed a high turnover among women between visits, making continuous follow-up more challenging.

2. Social Center Services and Support

During this quarter, 83 women visited the Social Center and participated in different activities following referrals made by the social workers during outreach visits. The center has become a safe space where beneficiaries can access services such as legal counselling, psychological support, group sessions, and healthcare.

Many women come to the center when they feel lonely or need support, even if they are not initially ready to share their problems. Spending time at the center allows them to relax, feel safe, and build trusting relationships with the staff.

In addition, monthly health camps were organised, reaching 81 women, including both newly identified beneficiaries and women receiving follow-up care. These interventions addressed common health issues while providing treatment and ongoing medical follow-up.

A two-day mobile counselling camp was also organised in February, bringing together 46 women and girls and offering integrated legal, health, and psychosocial support services in a single location.

3. Psychosocial Support and Counselling Sessions

During the reporting period, 65 beneficiaries received individual psychological counselling sessions addressing issues such as stress, anxiety, sleep disorders, negative thoughts, alcohol consumption, and other emotional challenges.

The sessions included active listening, emotional support, breathing techniques, relaxation exercises, meditation, and art-based therapeutic activities. A safe and confidential environment was promoted, allowing women to express their emotions openly and receive appropriate guidance.

Group sessions were also conducted, focusing on psychosocial wellbeing and sleep-related problems. Participants shared experiences and learned practical strategies to improve their wellbeing. These activities were complemented by ongoing case follow-up, with several beneficiaries who attended multiple sessions showing positive improvements, including reduced stress levels, better sleep quality, and decreased alcohol consumption