Nepal Disabled Women Association (NDWA) has successfully conducted a series of community sensitization sessions on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) across Tarakeshwor Municipality and Budhanilkantha Municipality, reaching hundreds of community members and strengthening local capacity to prevent and respond to violence.
The awareness sessions brought together a diverse group of community stakeholders, including Female Community Health Volunteers (FCHVs), health post and urban health clinic staff, mothers’ groups, youth groups, members of the Newar community, and other local residents. Through these sessions, participants gained a deeper understanding of the different forms of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, survivor-centered approaches to reporting and referral, safeguarding principles, and the importance of creating safe and inclusive communities.
Recognizing the growing risks associated with the digital environment, the sessions also focused on digital literacy and online safety. Participants discussed emerging issues such as online harassment, cyberbullying, digital exploitation, misinformation, and privacy risks. Practical guidance was provided on protecting personal information, recognizing online threats, practicing safe digital behavior, and accessing available support and reporting mechanisms when experiencing or witnessing online abuse.
The sessions emphasized that preventing SGBV requires collective community action and highlighted the critical role of frontline service providers, community volunteers, women’s groups, and young people in identifying, responding to, and referring survivors to appropriate support services. Participants also explored ways to challenge harmful social norms, promote respectful relationships, and foster a culture of zero tolerance toward violence and discrimination.
Youth participation was a key feature of the initiative. By engaging adolescents and young people in discussions on gender equality, respectful communication, and responsible use of digital platforms, the sessions encouraged them to become advocates for safer online and offline environments within their schools, families, and communities.
The active involvement of Female Community Health Volunteers, health workers, and community-based organizations further strengthened local referral pathways and reinforced the importance of coordinated responses to survivors of violence. Participants appreciated the practical nature of the discussions and expressed their commitment to sharing the knowledge gained with their families, neighbors, and wider communities.
To ensure learning and accountability, structured reports were prepared following each session, documenting participant engagement, key discussion points, feedback, lessons learned, and recommendations. These findings will inform the design and implementation of future community awareness and violence prevention initiatives.
Through these sensitization sessions, NDWA continues its commitment to promoting safe, inclusive, and violence-free communities where women, girls, persons with disabilities, and all community members can live with dignity, exercise their rights, and access support without fear of violence or discrimination.