For us, that step was taken on June 25, 2004.
With the name itself, “SAATH”, meaning “togetherness” wasn’t just a given name; it was a beacon of hope that when people come together with compassion, courage, and purpose, even the smallest step can change countless lives, and that belief was shared by eleven young people with backgrounds in social work who came together to organize SAATH Event 2004. Supported by local organizations, youth volunteers, and people living with HIV and AIDS, the event created a space for dialogue, awareness, and collective action around pressing social issues.
The event lasted a day.
Its impact did not.
What those eleven youths witnessed that day was powerful: Saath. The success of the event inspired them to continue their efforts, and in 2006, SAATH was officially established as Social Service, Awareness Raising and Advocacy for Tranquillity and Humanity. In its early years, SAATH worked on a range of social issues including HIV and AIDS, drug use, LGBTI rights, and support for marginalised communities. But as the organisation grew, so did its understanding of where its deepest impact could be made.
Listening closely to the people of Madhesh and Bagmati provinces revealed a common issue. We found many girls and women who had great potential to transform their livelihoods into something meaningful but were stuck due to a lack of opportunities. That issue led to the creation of the SAATH we know today.
Our mission at SAATH is to empower women and youth through skill development and entrepreneurial initiatives that focus on developing the abilities of both groups to earn their living. As a social organisation, we have a simple vision of empowering women to take leadership roles, building strong communities, and ensuring no person is left behind. Through community-based training programs, women have learned tailoring, embroidery, entrepreneurship, and other income-generating skills.
This commitment is also reflected in our sustainability partner, i.e. Danfe Works, set up in 2018, which is a social enterprise aimed at creating opportunities for sustained employability and income generation for women trained under SAATH’s various projects. It is not just a marketplace, but it embodies our principle of sustainability, self-reliance, and empowerment that goes beyond just training classes. Its contribution to projects like Dulaari only adds more value to this impact.
What began with eleven passionate youths with a shared vision has impacted over 2,500 women, children and youth, while indirectly reaching more than 12,500 lives from families and communities. In addition, more than 600 women and adolescent girls have benefited through capacity building and economic empowerment. On the other hand, more than 260 children have been provided assistance, support, nurturing, and better opportunities. Beyond the numbers are stronger households, emerging women leaders, and communities that are increasingly equipped to shape their own futures.
Today, as we continue working towards a future where women lead, communities thrive, and no one is left behind, we often reflect on that day in 2004. What if those eleven youths had never organized that event?
How many women would not have discovered their confidence? How many livelihoods would not have been created? How many voices would have remained unheard?
Fortunately, they did.
And because they chose togetherness, thousands of stories of resilience, leadership, and empowerment continue to unfold today.
That is the story of SAATH.