News
Promoting Human Rights and Inclusive Democratic Spaces for Women and Marginalized Groups
January 21, 2026CECI and its partners have officially launched the Sama-Sama Project: Strengthening Civil Society for Inclusive Democracy and Human Rights in the provinces of Madhesh and Lumbini, strengthening efforts to promote inclusive democracy, human rights, and accountable governance at provincial and local levels in Nepal.
The project launch events, coordinated by local implementing partners, brought together more than 50 participants in each province, including representatives from provincial ministries, local governments, civil society organizations, women’s rights groups, youth and LGBTQ+ advocates, organizations of persons with disabilities, human rights organizations, and media representatives.
In both Madhesh and Lumbini, the project received formal endorsement from the provincial governments, reflecting strong institutional commitment to supporting its implementation. In Lumbini, the Ministry of Social Development reaffirmed its willingness to provide coordination and guidance to ensure the project’s effectiveness across provinces and local governments.
In Madhesh, discussions emphasized the importance of addressing persistent barriers to participation in democratic spaces. Ms. Nirmala Mishra, Chief of the Social Welfare Division at the Ministry of Sports and Social Welfare, highlighted how deeply rooted patriarchal norms continue to limit women’s mobility, agency, and participation in governance. She underlined the need to support local women’s organizations, engage communities, and strengthen the enforcement of existing laws, while recognizing that change is already being driven by women themselves.
In Lumbini, Mr. Diwakar Bhandari, Secretary of the Ministry of Social Development, Government of Lumbini Province, expressed confidence that the project will significantly contribute to safeguarding the rights of oppressed and marginalized communities while promoting transparency and accountability. He assured that the provincial government will actively support and cooperate fully to make the project a resounding success.
Youth representatives in both provinces stressed the relevance of the Sama-Sama Project in a context where many local governments still struggle to meaningfully include young people in decision-making spaces. They highlighted the importance of building leadership skills, civic engagement, and accountability mechanisms that reflect the diversity of local communities.
By working closely with public institutions and local partners, and by supporting feminist movements, youth leadership, and inclusive governance processes, the Sama-Sama Project reflects CECI’s broader commitment to equitable, participatory, and rights-based governance systems rooted in community realities.
The Sama-Sama is a regional project implemented by CECI and its local partners, CONCERN in the Philippines and Pro Public, Campaign Nepal, and Siddhartha Social Development Center in Nepal , with financial support from Global Affairs Canada.
