The IRHDTC has previously implemented the “I am a Child, not a Bride” project with the support of ANMF and in collaboration with the Parsagadhi Municipality. Despite facing resource constraints, the project achieved notable successes, and a comprehensive report was submitted at the time. Building on the achievements of the previous project, we have developed the second phase of “I am a Child, not a Bride” to ensure that the work continues in addressing the critical issue of child marriage in the region.

Goals

1. To increase access to sexual and reproductive health services for adolescent girls in Parsagadhi Municipality
2. To enhance knowledge and awareness among adolescent girls on topics related to sexual and reproductive health, including family planning and safe sex practices.
3. To empower adolescent girls to make informed decisions regarding their sexual and reproductive health through targeted education and skills-building interventions.
4. To engage community stakeholders, including parents, religious leaders, and educators, in promoting positive attitudes and behaviors toward adolescent sexual and reproductive health
5. To sustain and build upon the achievements of the previous “I am a Child, not a Bride” project, with a focus on improving the health and well-being of adolescent girls in the target area.

Need

The Government of Nepal, with support from UN agencies and Girls Not Brides Nepal, has developed a National Strategy to End Child Marriage. However, the strategy launch has been delayed due to the 2015 earthquake, and the timeline for implementation remains unclear. Nepal has also committed to ending child marriage by 2030, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.

Child marriage remains a significant issue in Nepal, with the country having the second-highest rate in South Asia after Bangladesh. The practice affects girls’ education and puts them at risk of violence and early childbirth, among other consequences.

Despite a national strategy to eliminate it, efforts have fallen short, with child marriage rates remaining high in certain areas. To tackle the problem, more awareness-raising and education is needed, particularly targeting parents and adolescents. Empowering girls through education and life skills may also help prevent child marriage. However, it requires a sustained effort from schools, local bodies, parents, and concerned authorities.

In the Madhesh Province region, girls face significant challenges in achieving the targets of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3, 4, 5, and 10 due to various factors.

These include a lack of access to essential resources and means, limited opportunities for participation in local-level programs, and insufficient leadership development programs tailored to their needs. As a result, the effective implementation of these SDGs has been hindered for girls in the region.

We have prepared this proposal after comprehensive discussions with the concerned bodies of various sectors in Parsagadhi municipality. These stakeholders have emphasized the importance of addressing the identified issues and have expressed the need for targeted interventions to be implemented in the region. As a result, the project proposal has been developed with the goal of addressing these concerns and promoting sustainable development in the area.

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.

Reduce maternal mortality and end preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5.

SDG 4: Quality Education

Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

Ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development

Build and upgrade education facilities that are child, disability and gender sensitive and provide safe, non-violent, inclusive and effective learning environments

SDG 5: Gender Equality

Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights.

Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making.

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

Adopt policies, especially fiscal, wage and social protection policies, and progressively achieve greater equality