Dhangadhi— In a significant move to promote gender equality and end harmful practices, the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), UNFPA, and Good Neighbors International Nepal, in collaboration with the Government of Nepal, officially launched the Safe and Enabling Environment for Adolescent Girls (SAFE-Girls) project in Sudurpaschim Province.

The initiative marks the launch of a US$6 million KOICA-funded program aimed at empowering adolescent girls and young women across Sudurpaschim, Lumbini, and Madhesh provinces. Over the next three years, SAFE-Girls will be implemented in selected municipalities of the Achham and Bajura districts.

The launch event brought together senior provincial leaders, development partners, and civil society members, underscoring a shared commitment to addressing gender-based violence (GBV), harmful social norms, and limited access to information about sexual and reproductive health and rights.

“As we launch the SAFE-Girls program, I call on all local governments to take ownership of this initiative and allocate the necessary budgets to ensure its success,” said Hon. Meghraj Khadka, Minister of Social Development, Sudurpaschim Province. “It is essential that we develop integrated, locally driven policies that address the real needs of adolescent girls.”

“This project is not just a UNFPA initiative. It is a shared commitment—from government, development partners, and communities alike,” said Dr. Bashir Najeeb, UNFPA Deputy Representative for Nepal. “Every one of us has a role to play in ensuring no girl is ever held back because of her gender.”

Representing Good Neighbors International Nepal, Mr. M. Mainuddin Mainul, Country Director, emphasized the long-term vision of the project: “We are not merely implementing short-term interventions. We are laying the foundation for lasting social transformation—one where women and girls are valued, respected, and empowered to fully participate in the nation’s development.”

Mr. Hemraj Regmi, Secretary at the Ministry of Social Development, Sudurpaschim Province, who chaired the launch event, reaffirmed the government’s commitment: “Sudurpaschim has faced the compounded challenges of economic and human poverty, shaped by entrenched socio-cultural norms. Despite these challenges, we are investing in people—especially women, girls, and persons with disabilities—so they can thrive,” he said. “Strengthened coordination will be key to achieving sustainable, transformative change across our communities.”

As the SAFE-Girls project rolls out, it is expected to serve as a model for empowering girls and addressing gender disparities through multisector collaboration and community engagement.