Who We Are ?

Who We Are ?

Mahila Janachetana Kendra

Mahila Janachetana Kendra (MJK) is a women-led, non-profit development organization established in 2003 AD (2060 BS). Based in Mechinagar, Jhapa, MJK is a rights-based institution initiated, led, and operated “by, for, and of women”.

Registered under the Organization Registration Act (1987) and affiliated with the Social Welfare Council (SWC), we serve as a leading force for Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI). For over two decades, we have worked in close collaboration with governmental institutions and international partners to ensure the rights of women, children, and minorities as guaranteed by Nepal’s constitution.

Our Vision

An inclusive society where gender equality and the equitable development of all genders are guaranteed. socially excluded groups.

Our Mission

To eliminate all forms of discrimination and ensure the fundamental rights and meaningful participation of women, children, minorities, and socially excluded groups.

Our Guiding Principles

  • Human Dignity: Absolute respect for human rights and social identity.
  • Impartiality: Maintaining strict political, ideological, and religious independence.
  • Accountability: Unwavering commitment to good governance, democracy, and transparency.
  • Knowledge Transfer: Focusing on inter-generational learning to sustain our movement.
  • Intersectionality: Promoting cross-sectionality within GESI to reach the most marginalized.

Strategic Objectives (2025-2030)

As part of our Second Strategic Plan, we focus on five key pillars:
  • Rights & Justice: Ensuring human rights and social justice for primary right-holders.
  • GESI Promotion: Promoting equality and inclusion at community and sub-national levels.
  • Basic Services: Securing access to quality education, health, and Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRHR).
  • Socioeconomic Upliftment: Improving the status of women, girls, and the LGBTIQA+ community.
  • Meaningful Representation: Developing leadership for public affairs participation.

Leadership & Expertise

MJK is governed by a 9-member Executive Board (including President Sita Gurung) and managed by a professional team led by Executive Director Radha Pradhan. Our team includes experts in:

  • Women & Child Rights: 26 specialized staff.
  • Domestic Violence Intervention: 20 experts.
  • Social Mobilization & GESI: 30 field professionals.
  • Specialized Support: Psychosocial counselors, legal advocates, and IT professionals.

Our History: A Journey of Impact

2003
Founding Vision

Established by Ms. Radha Pradhan in Mechinagar-6 to bridge the gap in gender equality and advocate for girl-child education and school enrollment.

2004 – 2005
Economic Foundations

Launched MJK’s first economic empowerment initiatives through the Nepali Handloom Training projects, fostering financial independence for local women.

2006 – 2009
Campaign for Safety

Served as a lead campaigner for the global "We Can" Campaign, mobilizing communities to end all forms of violence against women and girls.

2009 – 2012
Legal Advocacy & Networks

Partnered with GIZ to implement awareness programs for the Domestic Violence Act 2066 and founded the Eastern Network Against Domestic Violence.

2014 – 2018
Child Rights & Peace

Expanded institutional reach as a consortium partner for the Child Right and Peace Education project, focusing on the protection of the next generation.

2019 – 2022
Child Marriage Prevention

Implemented large-scale interventions to prevent Child Marriage and Early Unions, working closely with Kachankawal and local municipalities.

2026 – 2028
Strategic Global Partnership

Executing a specialized initiative with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to prevent sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment (SEAH) across Koshi Province.