UNFPA and Yeti Airlines Partner to Fight Gender-Based Violence in Nepal
A new partnership has been launched in Kathmandu between the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Yeti Airlines Pvt. Ltd. The two organizations have signed an agreement to work together to promote gender equality and end gender-based violence through advocacy and cooperation.
Spreading Awareness Through Air Travel
This partnership will use Yeti Airlines' extensive network and community reach across Nepal to provide important information to passengers. Nearly three thousand daily travelers will learn about gender-based violence, sexual and reproductive health and rights, and the safety of women and young people. According to the agreement, Yeti Airlines will include hotline numbers and essential information on boarding passes, place awareness leaflets in seat-back pockets, and publish articles in its in-flight magazine, "Parikrama." These efforts aim to reach approximately one million passengers annually with life-saving and useful information, ensuring it travels to every part of the country.
Support and Training Initiatives
Through the boarding passes, in-flight pamphlets, and the Parikrama magazine, passengers will receive information on where to find help if violence occurs and learn about the rights of survivors. Additionally, UNFPA will provide training for Yeti Airlines staff on issues related to sexual exploitation and abuse. Beyond awareness and training, this partnership also aims to connect survivors of violence with income-earning opportunities. It will help them with livelihood support and reintegration into society by linking them with local labor and business institutions.
Statements of Commitment from Leaders
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the UNFPA Interim Representative for Nepal, Shriram Haridas, stated that every flight is not just a journey but also an opportunity to exchange messages of dignity, equality, and safety. He confirmed that through this collaboration with Yeti Airlines, they are ensuring critical information reaches every passenger. From Yeti Airlines, Yuvaraj Bist expressed pride in partnering with UNFPA as a company established in Nepal and committed to social responsibility. He stated that by integrating advocacy with their service, they want to play their role in building a discrimination and violence-free society.
This agreement, which includes long-term commitments to promoting gender equality, empowering women, and ensuring support and respect for survivors of violence, will remain in effect until September 2027.
