The April 2015 earthquake in Nepal, the country's worst in almost a century, caused devastation on a massive scale. But it also brought people together to help rebuild. UNFPA Nepal and its partners played a crucial role in supporting the health and well-being of women and girls. Here's a look both at what's been accomplished and the challenges that remain.
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Promoting safe birth through reproductive health camps Ishwori Dangol is more than an earthquake survivor. As a seven-month pregnant woman when the devastating disaster struck Nepal on April 25, she not only had a narrow escape, but also lost her seven-year-old son to the earthquake. |
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Life and recovery in female-friendly spaces Ram Maya Majhi was referred to Charikot's Female-Friendly Space (FFS) in Ramechhap, one of the districts hardest hit by this year's powerful earthquake in Nepal. The FFS provides her with meaningful tasks and supportive company, while Ram Maya gives generously her time, kindness, and child minding skills. |
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Offering protection and support to survivors of gender-based violence After losing her house to the devastating earthquake that hit Nepal on April 25, Sanu (name changed to protect identity), 20, was lured away from her hometown by promises of a new life. Instead, she says her would-be husband raped her and escaped. She has found refuge in a UNFPA-supported safe house. |
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Bollywood star and social activist Manisha Koirala, one of Nepal's most renowned citizens globally, has announced her support for UNFPA as its Goodwill Ambassador for Nepal to advocate for pregnant women, new mothers and their infants, girls and young people displaced by the devastating earthquake. |
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From a disheartened pregnant adolescent to a determined mother A disheartened pregnant adolescent after losing her home to the April 25 earthquake, Shreejana BK is an enthusiastic and determined mother today. The 16-year-old living in Goljung VDC in rural Rasuwa district found a reason to smile again on June 24 - the day she safely delivered her first child. |
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Young humanitarian responders vital in Nepal quake relief Amid the catastrophe, from the massive earthquake that rocked Nepal in April, a new kind of hero emerged – young humanitarian responders, who have proved essential to relief efforts. |
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For the quake-shattered women of Sindhupalchowk, dignity has arrived in a simple packet Rapidly expanding their operations in the field, UNFPA personnel visited Sindhupalchok District – one of the worst-hit by the Nepal earthquake – to meet pregnant and lactating mothers whose homes were destroyed in the town of Sangchok. |
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Restoring health, hope and dignity for affected women and girls in post-earthquake Nepal Dignity cannot be delivered in a kit alone – it is a human right. But dignity kits have gone a long way in alleviating the spirits of Bipana Karki in Mahendra Jyoti village and thousands upon thousands of other displaced women and girls who are being reached by UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, and its partners on the ground. |
