Sisters of Charity of Nazareth in Nepal Help Women Turn a New Leaf

An NGO run by the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth in Nepal has become a beacon of hope for women facing hardship and abuse.

Navjyoti (“New Light”) Centre is a social service organization that empowers underprivileged communities, with a special focus on women’s welfare through health, education, and social support.

Founded in 2000 by Sister Rosita Kavilpurayidom of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, the center began its work in Surkhet district, about 550 kilometers southwest of Kathmandu. It also operates a branch in Baluwatar. Since its founding, Sr. Rosita has overseen the center’s work and continues to serve as its coordinator.

One of Navjyoti’s flagship programs supports women survivors of domestic violence, helping them become independent and resilient.

Among those it has helped is Nirmala Bastola, a 41-year-old single mother of three from Birendranagar Valley, whoovercame years of trauma with the center’s support.

“The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth and Navjyoti Centre helped me recover from my traumatic past,” Bastola shared.

A survivor of domestic violence, Bastola has become self-reliant and courageous in facing life’s challenges. For the past seven years, she has worked as a ticket seller, earning 24,800 Nepali rupees (about $175) per month to support her children and manage her household.

“My training at Navjyoti Centre gave me courage, confidence, and hope to care for my three young children and leave the pain of my past behind,” she said.

Navjyoti Centre also provides legal aid to survivors of abuse, helping them file charges, pursue justice, and secure compensation. According to Sr. Rosita, many survivors struggle to navigate life amid trauma and social stigma.

“We help them get the rightful compensation from their partners and support them to live with dignity and peace,” she said.

Beyond legal support, the center offers assistance for children’s education, medical bills, startup capital for small businesses, and material aid. Since launching its legal aid program in 2018, the center has assisted 670 survivors. Fifteen women have received funding to start small enterprises and gain financial independence. On average, eight survivors receive aid from the center each month.

In Nepal’s deeply patriarchal society, domestic violence remains widespread. In 2024, Nepal Police recorded 16,416 cases of domestic violence, including 81 homicides. In Karnali Province where Surkhet is located 880 cases were reported, according to Global Sisters Report.

A 2022 Nepal Demographic and Health Survey found that among women aged 15 to 49: 13% had experienced emotional abuse; 8% had experienced sexual violence; and 23% had experienced physical violence.

Shockingly, nearly 72% of women affected by domestic abuse never sought help.

Navjyoti Centre’s outreach goes beyond domestic violence support. It offers quality education to children from low-income families, literacy programs and financial aid for students, health awareness drives, medical camps and basic medical services, support and skill-building programs for women in prison, community development initiatives including sustainable agriculture and infrastructure projects, and child protection services and legal aid to ensure justice and welfare.

Through its holistic approach, the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth continue to bring healing and hope to countless women and families across Nepal.