I saw hope here... Tearfund stories from Nepal

‘During these sessions, I witnessed remarkable transformations. One female participant openly shared, “I used to pressure my husband to earn more money and often blamed him for not fulfilling his role as a man. I never realised that I was inflicting gender-based violence on my own husband. Now, I want to change myself first.”

‘Similarly, a male participant said, “Out of fear of what society would say, I used to control my wife – from what she wore to what kind of work she did. After this training, I realised that control only stops women from progressing.”

‘Today, these same participants are spreading messages of gender equality, respect and coexistence in their communities.

‘I truly believe that such initiatives will help lead Sindhupalchok toward a violence-free and equal society.

‘I carry with me the hope that change is always possible when it begins from the heart.’

Pratika, Tearfund partner staff, Shanti Foundation 

‘Working in remote villages is not just a geographical challenge, but also a deep struggle with social structures.

‘As easy as it may seem from the outside, this journey is far from simple. Returning to work after becoming a mother was not easy for me. I left my little girl in the city with her father carrying a heart full of fear, feelings of inadequacy, and the weight of responsibility, and I arrived in a new village, in a completely new environment.

‘While working here, I’ve faced judgmental comments, sceptical looks, doubting whether a woman can lead a project, and recurring questions surrounding motherhood. Despite all this, I continue to move forward.

‘So, when I talk about “hope,” I think of our project, because it has given me the strength to keep going. It has taught me that gender equality begins with the change we make within ourselves.

‘This is not just a job for me. It is a step in a journey that carries my dreams, my inner strength, and the hope of other women like me.

‘And if I can inspire even one woman to move forward, I will consider my journey a success.’

Rojisha, Tearfund partner staff, Shanti Foundation

‘It’s not easy to think about this difficult life here.

‘Difficult incidents occur here due to gender-based violence. At the beginning of the project, I came across an incident where a man raped his daughter. He is now in jail, awaiting trial.

‘Shanti Foundation took the mother and daughter to a safe place and brought the perpetrator into the legal process. The daughter has been provided with education support, and her mother has been given training which has enabled her to become a licensed driver – allowing her to make an income and be self-reliant.

‘During working on these incidents I have faced many challenges, including death threats. However, in spite of these challenges, we have been able to bring about positive changes and achieve justice for the girl.

‘The hope I gleaned from this incident was seeing the young girl show her courage and speak up for herself. Similarly, though her mother faced different challenges and pressure, she stood up for her daughter. The justice system also provided fair and impartial judgment.

‘This is just one example, but my hope is that if we continue to do these kinds of things together with courage and determination in the future, our journey will surely be successful.

‘I would like to say to all the sisters and brothers affected by gender-based violence around the world, move forward with courage and confidence, and you will surely find success.’

*What is Transforming Masculinities?

The Transforming Masculinities approach helps communities work towards gender justice through principles that value the wellbeing and equality of all human beings.