On August 7, 2024, Nari Chetana Kendra Nepal(WACN) hosted an inception meeting titled “Prevention and Response to Gender Violence in Nepali Society through Economic Empowerment of Women” at Banepa Municipality. The event was attended by 37 participants, including the Chairperson of Banepa Municipality, Vice Chairperson of Banepa Municipality, Chairperson of WACN Network, and representatives from various financial organizations and group in Banepa.

Presided over by Shanti Ratna Shakya, Chairperson of Banepa Municipality, with special guest Bimala Sapkota, Vice-Chairperson of Banepa Municipality, the meeting featured Srijana Poudel, President of Nari Chetana Kendra Nepal, who outlined the program’s objectives and planned activities. The initiative aims to empower women legally and economically by enhancing access to legal services, developing livelihood support initiatives, and shifting social values.

Discussions included current legal aid services, workshops on women’s rights, and collaboration with local legal authorities. Economic empowerment efforts will focus on capacity-building training programs, entrepreneurship opportunities, and promoting female entrepreneurship.

The meeting marked a significant step toward tackling gender violence in Banepa Municipality by economically empowering women. The chief guest highlighted the crucial role of education in empowering women both economically and socially in a community where women constitute more than half the population. The meeting concluded with a unanimous commitment from all participants to collaborate and support the program’s goals.