Men Engagement Program at Community Level for Agency Building of Marginalized Women and Girls in Dhangadhi

The program brought together members of the Paribartan Women’s Group (Ward No. 8 ) and Shrijanshil Women’s Group (Ward No. 9), Dhangadhi Sub-Metropolitan City, along with their male family members, including husbands, brothers, sons, and other young family members, as well as neighbours. Teachers from community schools in Dhangadhi Sub-Metropolitan City–Wards 8 and 9 also participated in the program, creating an opportunity for dialogue and shared learning among women, men, youth, families, neighbours, and community stakeholders.

The program focused on strengthening positive engagement of men and youth as allies in creating an enabling environment where marginalized women and girls can exercise their rights, participate meaningfully in decision-making, and strengthen their agency.

Dr. Anita Shrestha facilitated a session on gender, gender equality, and the role of men and youth in promoting Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI). The session explored socially constructed gender roles and expectations and how harmful social norms can reinforce gender inequality and limit women’s participation, opportunities, and decision-making. Participants reflected on harmful practices within families and communities and discussed pathways toward positive social norms change.

The session also emphasized men’s active role in challenging discriminatory practices, promoting equal opportunities and responsibilities, supporting women’s participation and decision-making, and strengthening women’s access to and control over resources. Community-level approaches such as dialogue, engaging community leaders, women’s economic empowerment, meaningful participation of marginalized groups, and stronger implementation of legal provisions were also highlighted.

Prof. Dr. Shashi Adhikary facilitated the session on “Role of Men in Preventing Gender-Based Violence and How to Combat Harmful Practices.” The session covered different forms of gender-based violence and harmful practices, including domestic violence, child marriage, polygamy, sexual violence, dowry-related practices, accusations of witchcraft, caste-based discrimination, and Chhaupadi. It also discussed relevant legal provisions, protection mechanisms, complaint pathways, and the importance of collective responsibility in preventing violence and harmful practices.

The program highlighted that building women’s agency requires more than empowering women alone it requires families, men, youth, schools, neighbours, and communities to actively challenge unequal norms and create supportive spaces for women and girls.

Through dialogue, reflection, and shared learning, the program encouraged participants to become positive allies and agents of change, contributing to safer, more equal, and inclusive families and communities where marginalized women and girls can exercise their rights and participate equally.