Nepal: Strengthening Systems to Protect and Uplift Women Project

Public sector management / Social protection initiatives

Women and girls in Nepal have made significant strides in human development since 2000; however, gender disparities and GBV persist. Nepals gender development index improved from 0.80 in 2000 to 0.94 in 2021._Yet, women and girls continue to face discrimination that manifests in poor social and economic outcomes. The labor force participation rate among adult women (26.3%) is significantly lower than that among men (53.8%)._Although women comprise 33.5% of parliament, this has not translated to transformative changes._Moreover, women continue to face violence in various forms which not only violates their fundamental human rights but undermines their physical and mental health and hinders progress toward gender equality.

GBV remains a persistent problem in Nepal. In 2016, 22.0% of women aged 15-49 years had experienced physical violence since age 15-a rate that has remained unchanged since 2011._Moreover, GBV disproportionately affects those who face intersecting and multiple forms of discrimination based on disability, social group, sexual orientation, and gender identity._GBV prevalence also varies by province with the highest rate in Madhesh Province (34.2%) and the lowest in Gandaki Province (12.0%)._Shocks such as disaster and climate related events and the coronavirus disease pandemic can exacerbate the incidence of GBV.

GBV incidence reduced and GBV survivors reintegrated into society (Government of Nepal's Fifteenth Five-Year Plan 2019/20202023/2024)

Access to and quality of GBV services in project areas improved.

Women, children, and senior citizen service center services strengthened

Rehabilitation services for gender-based violence survivors strengthened

Community awareness of gender-based violence prevention and services increased

Institutional capacity for providing effective gender-based violence services developed

All procurement of goods and works will be undertaken in accordance with ADB's Procurement Policy (2017 as amended from time to time) and Procurement Regulations for ADB Borrowers (2017, as amended from time to time).

Open Competitive Bidding method with national advertisement will be used for civil works contracts estimated to $5 million or below, and goods contract. RFQ will be used for any civil works or goods contract estimated to cost estimate around/below $100,000._

Before the start of any procurement, ADB and the government may review the public procurement laws of the central and provincial governments to ensure consistency with ADB's Procurement Policy (2017, as amended from time to time) and Procurement Regulations for ADB Borrowers (2017, as amended from time to time).