Growing Futures for Girls in Nepal

Mamata*, a 13-year-old with aspirations of becoming a social worker, lives in a close-knit farming community in Nepal. Her mother, Devkala*, is the resilient chairperson of her all-women farming group, steering the village through challenges such as floods, food uncertainty, and a history of child marriage.

“Huge rainfalls occur here, causing flooding in the village… water gushes into the houses,” Devkala explains. In the past, farming posed significant challenges and Devkala, alongside others, worked tirelessly.

“We lived a poor life. There was both a lack of money and knowledge. Even if we had knowledge, nothing could be done due to a lack of money,” she recalls.

The turning point came when Save the Children helped establish female farming groups in the area. These groups empower families to cultivate and sell essential crops like garlic, cauliflower, and rice.  

“After getting involved in the farming group, good education was possible for my children,” Devkala says. “When good income is generated, medicines and clothes are provided to children, children can study, and food is enough for the whole year.” 

Additionally, Save the Children set up Child Clubs for children and parent groups to help the community eradicate child marriage. Devkala, a survivor of child marriage herself, spoke of the hardships of raising a family at a young age.

“If child marriage takes place, there are problems. With education and awareness, child marriage can be avoided,” she says.

Mamata attends her local Child Club in the village. “At the Child Club, I became aware of issues like violence and child marriage. My friends there are also understanding and supportive, so that encourages me to go to school,” Mamata explains.

Devkala and Mamata are a testament to the transformative power of education, resilience, and community support.  

“By learning good things and teaching that to the community, I feel happy,” Devkala says. Their village in Sapatri district is one of many working towards ending child marriage.  

Surunga Municipality of Saptari has been declared as the first child marriage-free municipality in Madhesh province, with the rate of child marriage dropping to less than 4%. 

*Names changed.