Kathmandu, Nepal - The Sustainable WASH for All (SUSWA) programme - a major initiative supporting water, sanitation, and hygiene services in Western Nepal - marked another milestone today as it concluded a special event aligned with the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign.
SUSWA, which stands for Sustainable WASH for All, is a long-term Water, Sanitation and Hygiene project running from 2021 to 2027. It is implemented jointly with municipalities across Karnali Province and is funded by the Government of Nepal, the Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs, and the European Union. The project continues over three decades of Finland-Nepal development cooperation, which has supported Nepal’s WASH sector since 1989. Technical assistance for the programme is provided by Niras Finland.
Advocacy Against Digital Violence
This year, SUSWA placed a strong emphasis on combating digital violence against women and girls-an issue growing rapidly in Nepal’s remote and urban communities alike. As part of the 16 Days of Activism, the program carried the message:
“Unite to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls.”
Participants, municipal representatives, youth groups, and WASH stakeholders came together to discuss how safe digital spaces are essential for gender equality and community development.
Short Film ‘Invisible Tears’ Officially Launched
A special highlight of the event was the official launch of the short film Invisible Tears, which portrays the hidden emotional impact of technology-facilitated violence. The film aims to raise public awareness and encourage municipalities to integrate digital safety within their existing social and WASH frameworks.
The event concluded successfully, reinforcing the connection between safe communities, inclusive development, and sustainable WASH services. Stakeholders emphasized that without safety-offline and online-women and girls cannot fully access or benefit from essential services.
Commitment to Continue Transformative Work
With its strong collaboration model and multi-donor engagement, SUSWA remains one of Nepal’s most comprehensive WASH programs. As it progresses toward 2027, the initiative aims not only to strengthen water and sanitation systems but also to promote social inclusion, gender equality, and community resilience across Karnali Province.
