Case Study

About WHR

Women for Human Rights (WHR), Single Women Group was established in 1994, as a Non Governmental Organization, registered with Kathmandu District Administration Office, Government of Nepal, Ministry of Women, Children and Social Welfare Council.

This organization works exclusively with and for single women (widows) in Nepal as the fate of widows in Nepalese society is far worse than widows in other parts of the world. Nepal being a Hindu society discriminates against women in many aspects of life, from cultural traditions to laws and policies. Widows are amongst the most marginalized and discriminated of all women in Nepal.

WHR started out in one room where single women (widows) would gather to share their pain and grief of the loss of their husbands and find solace in the solidarity of those in similar fate as them. We were able to transform our sorrow to strength and establish an organization that portrays that transformation process for many single women (widows).

Our main objectives are:

  • To raise the social and economic status of Nepalese Single women (widows) and their families.
  • To mainstream the rights of Single women (widows) in development, humanitarian and peace building initiatives.
  • Undertake advocacy to ensure meaningful participation of Single women (widows) at the decision making levels in all spheres of social, economic and political life.
  • To enhance the capacity of Single women (widows) in order that they are their own “agents of change”, and to develop their confidence and self-esteem.

WHR Target group

WHR is the only organization known in South Asia working for single women (widows). WHR defines “Widows” as “Single Women” through a national declaration to use the word ‘Single Women', instead of widows. The change in the terminology has been in effect since the word ‘widow' in Nepali society is viewed with disdain, inducing humiliation and agony.

WHR Network

WHR has an ever expanding network. WHR currently has 140 single women groups in 38 districts with a membership base of over 14,000. WHR is working with single women (widows) from all backgrounds, and from many situations, including conflicts widows and victims of the insurgency, from both sides of the previously conflicting parties.

WHR is also the current secretariat of SANWED (South Asian Network for Widows Empowerment in Development) which includes other organizations from Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and our international partners in the UK.