The SUAAHARA-II Project , completed by Nepal Women Development Forum (NWDF), with funding from Helen Keller International (HKI), transformed health, nutrition, WASH, and women’s empowerment in rural Nepal.
The SUAAHARA-II Project, implemented by Nepal Women Development Forum (NWDF), was a groundbreaking initiative aimed at improving the health and livelihoods of rural communities in Nepal. The project, supported by generous funding from Helen Keller International (HKI), ran from September 2016 to September 2023. This multi-sectoral project focused on health, nutrition, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), agriculture, livestock, women and children’s empowerment, education, and governance.
Key Areas of Impact
1. Health and Nutrition Improvements The SUAAHARA-II Project worked to tackle malnutrition and improve the overall health of women and children in rural Nepal. With funding from Helen Keller International (HKI), the project introduced nutritional education, provided healthcare access , and distributed nutritional supplements. These efforts led to a significant reduction in child malnutrition and improved maternal health.
2. Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Ensuring access to clean water and promoting sanitation were central to the project. By enhancing WASH infrastructure and educating communities on safe water handling and sanitation practices , the project greatly reduced waterborne diseases and improved overall living conditions in rural areas.
3. Agriculture and Livestock Development With the majority of rural households in Nepal relying on agriculture , the project provided training in sustainable farming practices , improved access to resources , and focused on better livestock management . This helped boost food security and provided income generation opportunities for local farmers.
4. Women and Children’s Empowerment A major goal of the SUAAHARA-II Project was to empower women and children . Through leadership training , capacity-building programs , and opportunities for income generation , women in the project areas were able to become active participants in their communities and decision-making processes. This also promoted gender equality and helped uplift marginalized women and children.
5. Education and Governance Education for children , especially girls , and promoting good governance were key objectives. The project advocated for better policies and supported local governments to create gender-sensitive frameworks for the empowerment of women and children.
Impact and Achievements of the SUAAHARA-II Project The SUAAHARA-II Project made significant strides in improving the lives of marginalized communities in rural Nepal, reaching over 35,937 people across 27 VDCs . Key achievements include:
- Empowering women to take leadership roles in their communities.
- Reducing malnutrition and improving the health of women and children.
- Improving water access and sanitation in rural areas, reducing waterborne diseases.
- Supporting sustainable agriculture and enhancing livelihoods .
- Promoting women’s empowerment and gender equality.
- Conclusion: A Lasting Legacy of Empowerment
The SUAAHARA-II Project has left a lasting impact on the communities it served. The combined efforts of Nepal Women Development Forum (NWDF) and the funding from Helen Keller International (HKI) created a sustainable foundation for health , nutrition , and women’s empowerment in rural Nepal. This project serves as a model for future initiatives aimed at improving the lives of marginalized communities and promoting gender equality .
