In Lumbini region, the project 'Sukshit Kishori' has been started to protect girls from sexual violence. The government believes that the project will empower girls under the age of 20 and protect them from harmful practices and sexual violence.
The project was started with the support of the Korea International Cooperative Agency (COICA) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the collaboration of the ministries of Lumbini. COICA will provide support of 6.6 million US dollars for the project. Out of this amount, only 2.2 million USD has been allocated to Lumbini province.
Through this project, girls will be supported in building social networks and safe spaces will be provided using digital technology. In addition, the Ministry of Social Development of Lumbini has said that it will focus on sex education, prevention of gender violence and making local level services effective.
The project will be implemented at 20 local levels in Lumbini, Madhes and Sudurpaschim provinces of Nepal. The aim is to create a safe environment for girls from disadvantaged communities and enhance their abilities. The project has been implemented in 7 local levels of Lumbini province.
Minister of Social Development of Lumbini Province Janmjay Timilsina said that the state has an important role in empowering girls and the project will help in securing and empowering girls. "The program will help to end child marriage, promote sexual and reproductive health rights and provide girls with a safe environment," he said.
UNFPA's Nepal representative Won Young Hong said that it is essential to provide a safe environment for girls. Ram Kishan, director of Plan International for Nepal, said that safe spaces and a strong support system against gender-based violence are necessary to empower girls. Secretary of the Ministry of Social Development An Prasad Neupane said that the improvement of education, health and economic conditions should be increased and problems such as corruption, bad culture and discrimination should be reduced.
