The Girls Standing Strong (GSS)
The Girls Standing Strong (GSS) Project, a community-based empowerment initiative, is a collaboration between Plan International Nepal and Janaki Women Awareness Society (JWAS). Implemented in Sabaila Municipality (wards 9, 10, 11, 13) and Sahidnagar Municipality (ward 7), this project is in its first year of intervention, running from August 15, 2024, to June 2025.
The project focuses on three main components: LEARN, LEAD & DECIDE, and THRIVE. The THRIVE component addresses Early Childhood Development (ECD) and Child Protection. ECD targets pregnant mothers and caregivers of children under 3, while Child Protection focuses on adolescent girls aged 11-19.
The project aims to achieve three key outcomes: combating social norms, strengthening safety networks, and policy advocacy. The ultimate goal is to ensure that all children, especially girls and young women, live free from child early and forced marriage. The initiative follows a gender-transformative approach and adheres to a safeguarding policy with zero tolerance for violations.
Currently, the project is strengthening local health facilities by building their capacity in national parenting education packages. It is also enhancing the skills of Female Community Health Volunteers (FCHVs) and community facilitators in delivering positive parenting, Stick & Stones, and inter-generational dialogue sessions.
Content by: Mrs. Nikita Singh Yadav
