Ending Violence Against Women
Muslim and Madhesi women and girls in Nepal face gender-based violence and discrimination at every stage of their lives. It includes (but is not limited to) sex-selective abortion; differential access to food, education, and medical care; child marriage, dowry; domestic and spousal violence; sexual exploitation and abuse; trafficking; elder abuse; and traditional harmful practices.
As per the 2011 Population Census, marriage among 10–18-year-old girls and boys was most common among the Madhesi Dalits (10.2%), Muslims (9.8%), and Hill Dalits (7.8%). The intersecting factors of socio-cultural norms, socio-political exclusion, literacy, socio-economic status, climate-induced disasters, and, in recent times, COVID-19 impact make marginalized Muslim and Madheshi women in Nepal more vulnerable to gender-based violence. Deep-rooted patriarchal values and a sense of entitlement and control over women lie at the heart of VAWG.
Socio-cultural norms that justify violence and gender inequality perpetuate VAWG and create barriers to the effective implementation of prevention and response services.
The fight against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) is crucial, especially for marginalized communities like Muslim and Madhesi women and girls in Nepal. Over the years, various initiatives have been undertaken to address these challenges, empowering women and fostering change within their communities.


Developing and Printing of Family Planning Manuals for Muslim Religious Leaders (2016)
Recognizing the influence of religious leaders in shaping community attitudes, NMWWS took a proactive step in 2016 by translating and localizing a family planning manual initially developed by Indonesia’s National Family Planning Coordinating Board (BKKBN). This manual was adapted to reflect the cultural and religious contexts of Muslim communities in Nepal.
Dissemination workshops for the family planning manual were conducted in Kathmandu, Rautahat, and Kapilvastu districts. These workshops aimed to educate Muslim religious leaders on the importance of family planning, enabling them to guide their communities in making informed decisions about reproductive health.
Enhancing Capacity to Combat SGBV (2018)
In 2018, significant strides were made in enhancing the capacity of marginalized Muslim and Madhesi women and girls to combat SGBV. The Nepal Muslim Women Welfare Society (NMWWS) led this initiative by conducting leadership and advocacy skill development training. These programs were designed to equip women with the knowledge and tools needed to advocate for their rights and challenge harmful practices.
Moreover, the Men Engage Approach training was introduced to involve men and boys in the fight against SGBV. This approach emphasizes the importance of collective action, where both men and women work together to challenge and transform harmful socio-cultural norms.
In addition to these trainings, legal literacy programs were conducted to educate women about their legal rights, ensuring they are informed and empowered to seek justice. Local dialogues and orientations were organized for social and religious groups to promote collective initiatives from all stakeholders, including local authorities and civil society, to create a united front against SGBV.

Ending violence against women requires a multifaceted approach that includes education, advocacy, economic empowerment, and community involvement. The initiatives led by NMWWS have made significant strides in empowering marginalized Muslim and Madhesi women and girls, fostering a culture of respect, equality, and safety. As these efforts continue, it is crucial that all stakeholders remain committed to transforming harmful socio-cultural norms and supporting the rights and dignity of all women and girls in Nepal.