MNFLI (Mitini Nepal Fund for Local Initiatives) is a groundbreaking initiative by Mitini Nepal, supported by the Foundation for a Just Society (FJS). It focuses on community-based advocacy to empower organizations and individuals working for the rights of sexual and gender minorities. These organizations play a vital role in advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, providing support, and creating safe spaces for the community. By strengthening their capacity, we can promote social change, raise awareness, and foster greater acceptance and understanding in society. Supporting CBOs is essential for building a more inclusive and equal world for sexual and gender minorities. By fostering direct engagement, knowledge sharing, and collaboration among Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) from different provinces, MNFLI enhances their capacity and sustainability. Through lobbying and advocacy efforts, it seeks to change societal attitudes towards LGBTI groups, promoting equality and inclusion. MNFLI’s presence at the local level raises awareness, helping reduce stigma and discrimination. It is a vital step towards building a more accepting and supportive society for sexual and gender minorities in Nepal.
A comprehensive training program was conducted to enhance the capacity of representatives from different organizations across Koshi Province, Madesh Province Bagmati Province, Lumbini Province and Sudurpaschim Province for the first and second year. The training focused on crucial skills such as proposal writing, report writing, and budget management. Following this empowering initiative, in its first year, three organizations, namely Sahara Samaj, Friends Hetauda, and Ekta Samaj, were selected to receive funding to implement their respective projects during the timeline of March 1, 2022, to July 15, 2022. And in the second year also three organization was selected namely Sahara Samaj, Samanata Ka Lagi Aawaj and Mayako Sansar to implement their respective projects during the timeline of January, 2023, to June, 2023. With newfound expertise and financial support, these organizations are well-equipped to make a significant impact in promoting the rights and well-being of sexual and gender minorities in their communities.
Sahara Samaj is a non-governmental organization dedicated to the protection and promotion of the human rights of sexual and gender minorities established on 2008 at Koshi Province, Nepal. The organization envisions working alongside other entities with a strong sense of responsibility and mutual support. It has core mission to create a society where all sexual and gender minorities can live without discrimination, enjoying equal and respectful access to essential services. Sahara Samaj conducts various short and long-term programs in collaboration with governmental and non-governmental organizations to achieve their objectives. Their core activities include advocating for the human rights of sexual and gender minorities, organizing press conferences and media engagements, conducting public awareness programs like trainings, seminars, and conferences, and providing counseling and support for the community’s well-being
Friends Hetauda is a community-based organization established in 2010 based in Hetauda, Bagmati Province with a primary focus on promoting sexual health services, protecting the basic human rights, and being a guiding support for the LGBTI community in Makwanpur district. The organization has set specific objectives, such as providing free advocacy and legal counseling for vulnerable LGBTIQ+ members, promoting sexual health and HIV/STI prevention, conducting awareness programs to increase visibility and awareness about LGBTIQ+ issues, and advocating for the coordination of public sectors to minimize stigma and discrimination. Friends Hetauda envisions empowering socially excluded sexual and gender minorities, representing the LGBTIQ+ community at national and international levels, and mobilizing government grants for their betterment. Their mission is to ensure every local LGBTIQ+ member lives with equal rights, freedom, and dignity. Their core activities involve offering legal counseling and sexual health education, HIV/STI testing, distribution of condoms and lubricants, documenting violence against LGBTIQ individuals, and advocating for equal human rights services and opportunities.
Ekata Nepal is a pioneering community-based organization established in 2009, located in Dhangadhi, Kailali district, Sudurpaschim Province, Nepal. It is dedicated to promoting human rights and sexual health for sexual and gender minority communities. Founded on the representation of lesbian, transgender men, and bisexual women, Ekata Nepal seeks to establish and strengthen a supportive network among these communities. Through capacity-building initiatives, the organization empowers sexual and gender minorities to advocate effectively for their rights. Ekata Nepal actively engages in various awareness-raising activities, meetings, symposiums, and delegations to address the issues faced by these communities. Committed to improving living standards, the organization works towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society by advocating for social rights and reducing discrimination and stigmatization.
Samantaka Lagi Aawaj is a non-governmental organization (NGO) with a vision of peace, prosperity, and justice, and a mission to respect, nurture, and preserve human dignity. Focused on children from the LGBTI community, the NGO advocates for human rights, provides mental health education and support through counseling and awareness programs, offers financial and educational assistance, and pursues scientific research for the betterment of these children’s lives. By ensuring equal opportunities and maintaining justice, Samantaka Lagi Aawaj works towards creating a more inclusive and compassionate society.
Mayako Sansar is a non-profitable organization established in 2022, passionately dedicated to advocating for the rights and welfare of Sexual and Gender Minorities (LGBTIQA+) who are engaged in sex work. With its mission, “Safe Landing,” at the core, the organization tirelessly works towards ensuring the rights of vulnerable individuals and empowering them with knowledge about their rights. By focusing on the unique challenges faced by LGBTIQA+ sex workers, who are at a higher risk of facing physical and mental abuse, Mayako Sansar aims to create a supportive environment where these individuals can live with dignity and respect. The organization strongly advocates for the decriminalization of sex work, providing legal protections, social services, and eradicating violence and exploitation within the industry. Through collaborative efforts with government entities and other stakeholders, Mayako Sansar envisions a world where sex workers are treated equitably, with access to the same rights and opportunities as any other individual, fostering a more inclusive and just society for all.
Sahara Samaj is a non-governmental organization dedicated to the protection and promotion of the human rights of sexual and gender minorities established on 2008 at Koshi Province, Nepal. The organization envisions working alongside other entities with a strong sense of responsibility and mutual support. It has core mission to create a society where all sexual and gender minorities can live without discrimination, enjoying equal and respectful access to essential services. Sahara Samaj conducts various short and long-term programs in collaboration with governmental and non-governmental organizations to achieve their objectives. Their core activities include advocating for the human rights of sexual and gender minorities, organizing press conferences and media engagements, conducting public awareness programs like trainings, seminars, and conferences, and providing counseling and support for the community’s well-being.
