In September, I visited our children’s refuge in Janakpur, south Nepal, along with a British volunteer. Upon arriving, we were welcomed by a group of laughing girls who presented us with handmade greeting cards. My female colleague was visibly moved given that these little girls are rape survivors. Sometimes, the poignancy and power of our work can be quite overwhelming.
For obvious reasons, we have kept this project low profile. The refuge provides safety, care and rehabilitation in a part of Nepal where, tragically, sexual assaults on girls remain all too common amid rural poverty and entrenched patriarchy.
In just four and a half years, more than 300 girls have found protection and support here before either returning to their communities – if and when they wish to and it is safe for them to do so – or moving into longer-term care.
The refuge is led by an exceptional young woman, Sabita Pun Yadav. Having grown up in residential care herself, Sabita brings deep understanding and compassion to her role. Now happily married and soon to be a mother, she guides the girls with wisdom and insight. Moreover, she leads a committed team that also works in the wider community, supporting survivors who face stigma and raising awareness about gender-based violence.
Sabita leading a refuge rehabilitation session
Discussing gender-based violence during a community interaction
You can read more about the refuge on through our website link. Each month we contribute around £1,200 towards the refuge operating costs that we share equally with sister registered charity Our Sansar. We believe passionately in such cooperation between charities towards achieving maximum impact and best use of precious funds. And we raise our share of these funds through The Big Give Christmas Challenge.
The Janakpur refuge is one of six project areas we are highlighting through this year’s Challenge that you can read about through clicking on the image below.
As ever with The Big Give, your donation automatically doubles in value through matching pledging secured from generous donors.
But this year, as demands upon our services grow and costs rise in Nepal, our Challenge target of £172,500 is higher than ever before. So, I really need your help please, not only by donating but also through sharing this information and a recommendation with family, friends and colleagues.
You can donate securely in any major currency using the button below.
Please do come back to this blog for a new interesting post on each day of the campaign – and be ready to share!
Thank you so much.
