The First Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Girls' Rights Forum (GRF) in Rupandehi and Kapilvastu districts was held on the 18th September and 25th September 2021, respectively, bringing together 243 participants, including representatives from civil societies including different girls' networks and organizations, local government representatives, GRF members, and WOREC staffs. The main objective of AGM was to present GRF's annual progress report and financial status and to elect a new leadership through a democratic approach. The AGM in both districts was organized in technical support of WOREC and CARE Nepal.
In the AGM, Akshita Sukla was elected as a new chairperson of GRF Kapilvastu, while AGM of GRF Rupendehi introduced Sunita Harijan as the new chairperson of GRF Rupendehi.
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The AGM conducted in both districts also included an interactive dialogue between representatives of local government and GRF members where they discussed ways to prevent harmful practices in the community through collaboration and engagement between municipalities and GRFs. The meeting also provided a platform for GRF members to share their concerns on harmful practices such as early marriage, dropping out of girls from schools, and restriction of mobility for girls, and to discuss the promotion of the rights of adolescent girls and youths region.
Puspa Harijan, Founder Chairperson of GRF Rupandehi, stated that GRFs have been working relentlessly to bring change in the community. "Before the formation of GRF Rupandehi, local government would never allocate budget for the awareness activities on girls' rights. After much initiations from GRF Rupendehi, we are able to secure 20 percent of the local government's budget for the development activities of girls," said Harijan.
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Speaking at the AGM of GRF Rupendehi, Pushpa Tharuni, Assembly member of Lumbini Province, acknowledged the dire situation that adolescent girls face in the region due to the prevalent harmful practices, including the severe restrictions placed on the rights of adolescent girls. Tharuni further said that Lumbini Province is committed to working together with GRF in achieving gender equality. "We are planning to conduct a campaign against child marriage, and for this, GRF's suggestions and advice are much needed and important for the launch and success of the campaign," said Tharuni.
Laxmi Gupta, Deputy Chair of Kapilvastu Municipality, and Hira Kewat, Chairperson of Omasatiya Rural Municipality, Rupendehi, also expressed their solidarity towards addressing the issues of adolescent girls and youths in the region. "It is highly appreciable that young girls are taking initiatives to fight for their rights, and we have to support them. I will ensure that our municipality will continue to work in partnership with GRF members to protect and promote the rights of girls," said Laxmi Gupta, Deputy Chair of Kapilvastu Municipality.
Likewise, Bajrangi Prasad Chaudhary, Chairperson of Mayadevi Rural Municipality of Kapilvastu, expressed his commitment to providing the Girls Rights Forum budget to implement different programs.
In the programs, members of GRF Rupendehi and Kapilvastu performed drama, dances, and self-defense skills to spread awareness against harmful practices in the community.