KATHMANDU, MAY 21
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Manakamana Darshan Pvt. Ltd. have signed a cooperation agreement to raise awareness on gender-based violence (GBV) and promote community engagement through a public-private partnership.
The agreement, signed in Kathmandu on Tuesday, aims to integrate GBV-related messaging, training, and employment support into the operational ecosystem of the Manakamana Cable Car, a major tourist destination in Nepal. UNFPA Nepal Representative Young Hong and Manakamana's Director of Sales and Marketing Yeshu Shrestha signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organisations.
Over the next two years, both parties will implement advocacy and capacity-building activities to create safer public spaces and empower women and girls with information on GBV, available services, and reintegration support, according to the press release issued by the UNFPA.
GBV awareness messages will be displayed across public touchpoints, including ticket stubs, kiosks, and posters in high-traffic areas. UNFPA will also train all cable car staff on safeguarding principles, sexual harassment prevention, and reporting procedures, the release further stated.
The partnership will further explore livelihood opportunities for GBV survivors through inclusive hiring and economic empowerment initiatives.
"This partnership demonstrates that when businesses align with values of dignity, equity, and protection, they can become powerful agents of change. Jointly we are creating pathways to protection and opportunity for women and survivors of gender based violence," said UNFPA's Hong. Manakamana's Shrestha added that the company is proud to foster safe spaces for all passengers.
The collaboration sets a new standard for corporate social responsibility in Nepal by turning commitment into action in support of national GBV prevention goals, it noted.
