Strengthening Community Safety Nets and Feminist Movement Building

[Nepali with English subtitle] UN Women implemented a pilot project called “Strengthening Community Safety Nets and Feminist Movement Building in the post-COVID-19 Context, Phase I” in seven provinces from 20 October 2021-24 February 2023. The project formed and mobilized the Community Safety Nets (CSN). It addressed the immediate needs of vulnerable network members during the pandemic. The project also fostered collective voice, leadership, and political action of women and excluded groups through policy dialogues and networking with provincial and local governments to address discriminatory social norms and harmful practices.

The pilot implementation of the project unpacked the definition of CSN. CSN included both non-material and material dimensions. In non-material terms, CSN played a significant role in strengthening the resilience capacity of women and excluded groups in the face of the pandemic as well as future shocks; building on an inherent tradition of Nepali communities to be self-reliant. These formal and informal networks act as safety nets for women during crises, creating a safe space for care, support, and solidarity; increasing their social capital and negotiation ability as well as strengthening their voice and agency to demand their rights and entitlements.