Kathmandu, March 7

Indian Ambassador to Nepal Ranjit Rae today laid the foundation stone of Chhahari Single Women Reintegration Centre which will be established in Budhanilkantha Municipality, Kathmandu.

Addressing the programme, Rae said he wanted to fight against the brutal culture of Violence Against Women, especially widows in South Asia. He said, “I have seen worst examples of violence against widows at home and as a South Asian, I want to fight against the brutal culture.”

He added that the reintegration centre will help women be free, hold equal opportunity and look forward to their economic growth through skill based trainings.

Briefing about the centre’s purpose and the vision of Women for Human Rights Single Women Group (WHR), founding president of the centre Lily Thapa said the centre’s establishment was a dream come true.

She said, “It is a matter of great pleasure that we are getting support and recognition from national as well as international levels.”

WHR will construct the centre’s building with financial support from the Embassy of India and managerial support from District Development Committee, Kathmandu, within two years.

A budget of Rs 40 million has been allocated for the construction of the building.

According to WHR, establishment of the centre is a long awaited dream of providing safe space for single women.

WHR said, “Single women are left vulnerable by their family members and society. They are often victims of trafficking and abuse. Thus, the centre is a safe space where women are provided with emergency shelter, counselling, legal services as well as various skill-based trainings for their economic empowerment.”

WHR has established Chhahari at 16 different places that provide single women and mothers with immediate as well as long term support.