20 SAGE Civic Network Established and Operates at Palika

Pro Public and its consortium partners are collaboratively executing the social accountability for gender equality project, receiving financial and technical assistance from the European Union and UN Women as part of the Government of Nepal’s joint initiative, “Empowered Women Prosperous Nepal.” Its specific goals are to improve social accountability tools and promote gender inclusion and equality for women and marginalized groups in 10 local governments and three provinces, influencing decision-making processes and advocating for the accountability and transparency of local governments.

During the period of April to June 2025, a total of 20 events featuring three-day ward-level capacity development training were completed. These trainings specifically aim to enhance the knowledge and skills of women and marginalized groups regarding social accountability tools, gender equality, and inclusive planning processes, to promote gender-responsive public service delivery, inclusive participatory planning and budgeting, and citizen involvement in all local government development initiatives while also being more accountable to local communities. 

Upon finishing the training, a SAGE civic network is established in each project ward, resulting in 20 SAGE networks and a total of 402 members associated with this network. At the conclusion of the SAGE Networks meeting, the 10 working commitments were announced and signed, with the goal of increasing accountability and transparency among local government representatives and ensuring gender-friendly public service delivery in the future. Local individuals will not face discrimination, and the local government will ensure all development and service projects adhere to the GESI approach. The project received positive news, as a new foundation has been created at the local level to combat all forms of violence and discrimination targeting women and marginalized groups by guaranteeing women's involvement in all levels of development efforts, decision-making processes, and service delivery with an inclusive governance perspective.