Safe Shelter: Protecting and Empowering Women

Report on NAPO’s Safe Shelter Activities

Building on the progress achieved during the previous reporting period under the“Building the Foundation”initiative, Nepal Austria Partnership Organization (NAPO) has continued to strengthen its safe shelter initiative with a focused approach on government coordination, survivor support, shelter security, and infrastructure completion.

1. Government Coordination for Shelter Operation

NAPO intensified coordination with local and provincial government authorities to support the operationalization and sustainable management of the safe shelter. Regular consultations, coordination meetings, and follow-up discussions were conducted with relevant government stakeholders to advocate for government ownership, resource allocation, and integration of the shelter into existing public service and protection systems.

These efforts are intended to establish stronger institutional support and ensure the long-term functionality and sustainability of the shelter. NAPO continues to encourage government authorities to recognize the safe shelter as an important component of the local GBV prevention and response mechanism.

2. Support to GBV Survivors

NAPO continued and strengthened support services for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV). Survivors accessing the shelter received appropriate psychosocial counselling, legal assistance, and referrals to relevant health, legal, and protection service providers according to their individual needs.

All services were provided with particular attention toconfidentiality, dignity, safety, and survivor-centered approaches. NAPO also continued to facilitate coordination with relevant service providers to ensure that survivors could access appropriate assistance and follow-up support. These interventions have contributed to improving survivors’ well-being, strengthening their safety, and supporting their access to justice and essential services.

3. Shelter Security and Infrastructure Upgrade

As part of efforts to improve the safety and security of the shelter, NAPO purchased and installed ahigh-capacity Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)to ensure the continuous operation of the shelter’s CCTV surveillance system.

Previously, frequent power interruptions in the town prevented the CCTV system from operating continuously. This created a security concern for the shelter, particularly for women and GBV survivors staying at the facility. The installation of the UPS has strengthened the shelter’s security arrangements by enabling the CCTV system to remain operational during power outages.

This improvement is an important step toward creating a safer and more secure environment for survivors, staff, and the overall shelter facility.

4. Key Progress Achieved

During the reporting period, NAPO achieved the following key progress:

• Strengthened coordination with local and provincial government stakeholders for sustainable shelter operation.
• Continued psychosocial, legal, referral, and protection support to GBV survivors.
• Maintained a survivor-centered approach emphasizing safety, confidentiality, and dignity.
• Improved the physical security of the shelter through the installation of a high-capacity UPS.
• Strengthened the continuity of CCTV surveillance during electricity interruptions.
• Continued advocacy for government ownership, resource allocation, and institutionalization of the shelter.

5. Looking Ahead

In the next phase, NAPO will focus on the following priorities:

• Strengthening collaboration with government stakeholdersto support the operation, institutionalization, and long-term sustainability of the safe shelter.
• Continuing comprehensive support services for GBV survivors, including psychosocial counseling, legal assistance, referrals, and protection services.
• Further strengthening shelter security and safety measuresto ensure a secure environment for survivors and staff.
• Advocating for government approval and resource mobilizationto complete the remaining construction and infrastructure work.
• Exploring sustainable operational mechanismsthrough increased government ownership, coordination with service providers, and mobilization of additional resources.

Conclusion

NAPO has made continued progress in strengthening the safe shelter as a protective and supportive space for women and survivors of gender-based violence. Government coordination, survivor-centered services, and improvements in shelter security have contributed to establishing a stronger foundation for sustainable shelter operation. Going forward, NAPO will continue to work with government and other relevant stakeholders to complete the remaining infrastructure, strengthen service provision, and secure the long-term sustainability of the shelter.