Support Food to Nepali Women

The right to food is a critical component of survival and well-being, particularly for women facing mental health challenges and gender-based violence (GBV) in Nepal. This report details the "Support Food to Nepali Women" project, which aims to provide essential food assistance to 50 women residing in an emergency care service center managed by KOSHISH. These women are particularly vulnerable due to their experiences with GBV and mental health issues, making access to adequate nutrition vital for their recovery and empowerment.

Women in Nepal face significant barriers related to food security, mental health, and GBV. Studies indicate that food insecurity is prevalent among women of reproductive age, with approximately 56% experiencing some level of food insecurity. The psychological impact of food insecurity often exacerbates mental health issues, leading to increased anxiety and depression among affected individuals. Furthermore, GBV remains a pervasive issue, with many women suffering from trauma that complicates their mental health and overall well-being.

The "Support Food to Nepali Women" project focuses on delivering immediate food assistance to women who are survivors of GBV or who suffer from mental health issues. We have provided regular access to nutritious food tailored to the needs of women recovering from trauma. We have also offered counseling services that address the psychological impacts of GBV and food insecurity. Further, we encouraged them to engage in community support networks and advocate for their rights.

This initiative has helped us to improve nutritional status among the targeted women, leading to better physical and mental health outcomes.We have increased awareness and understanding of mental health of those women and empowered them to seek help for both their nutritional needs and psychological support.

The "Support Food to Nepali Women" project is a vital intervention which aims at addressing the interconnected issues of food insecurity, mental health, and gender-based violence. By providing essential food assistance and psychosocial support, we aim to empower these women, enhance their well-being, and promote their rights.

We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude for your generous support from GlobalGiving Team. Your commitment to helping women facing mental health challenges and gender-based violence in Nepal has made a significant impact on their lives. This support not only addresses their immediate nutritional needs but also plays a crucial role in their recovery and empowerment. Your partnership is invaluable to us, and we are excited about the positive changes we can achieve together. We look forward to continuing our collaboration and making a lasting difference in the lives of these women.

Introduction

KOSHISH, a national NGO in Nepal, which operates an Emergency Care Service Center dedicated to supporting abandoned women with mental health issues. The center provides comprehensive care, including medical treatment, psychological counseling, and essential life skills training to. An integral part of this holistic approach is ensuring that the women receive nutritious meals that contribute to their overall health and mental well-being.

This report outlines the significance of providing nutritious food to women in the Emergency Care Service Center, its impact on their physical and mental health, and how the support from GlobalGiving has been instrumental in achieving these goals. In the last 3 months we could support 30 women with nutritious food with the help of GlobalGiving.

As we know that, proper nutrition is fundamental to maintaining and improving physical health. Women in the Emergency Care Service Center often arrive with malnutrition or other health issues exacerbated by poor diet. But this nutritious meal support has helped the women to boost up their Immunity, Enhance their Energy Levels and has helped in Supporting their recovery. Likewise, Nutrition plays a critical role in mental health as well. A balanced diet has helped the women to Reduce Stress and Anxiety, Improve Mood and Enhance Cognitive Function

Impact on Beneficiaries

The impact of providing nutritious food at the Emergency Care Service Center has been significant. The following are the observed Changes seen in those women :-

• Improved Physical Health: Regular health check-ups have shown improvements in the nutritional status and physical health of the women.
• Enhanced Mental Well-being: Psychological assessments indicate reduced levels of anxiety and depression among the residents.
• Increased Participation: The women are more active in participating in therapeutic and skill-building activities, which aids in their overall rehabilitation.

Role of GlobalGiving

The support from GlobalGiving has been crucial in maintaining and enhancing the dietary program at the Emergency Care Service Center. The funding has enabled us to:

• Purchase Quality Ingredients: Ensuring the availability of fresh and nutritious ingredients.
• Conduct Workshops/ Classes: Organizing nutrition workshops/ classes for the women to educate them about the importance of healthy eating, which they can carry forward into their lives post-recovery.

Conclusion

The provision of nutritious food is a cornerstone of the holistic care provided at the Emergency Care Service Center of KOSHISH. It has a profound impact on the physical and mental well-being of the women, aiding in their recovery and rehabilitation. The generous support from GlobalGiving has been instrumental in sustaining this vital component of care. We are committed to continuing this effort and further enhancing the quality of life for the women under our care.

Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to improving the lives of women in need.