The community-based Village Paralegal Committee Program in Nepal was created by UNICEF in 1999 and has now grown to encompass more than 4,000 committees. These committees, originally formed to combat human trafficking, are now focusing their attentions on addressing all forms of violence against women. The committees have evolved into a system of community networks for women providing monetary, social, and at times legal support. The Khanalthok Village Paralegal Committee, for example, has worked extensively on guaranteeing the rights of widows, who are typically socially ostracized and prevented from wearing red, the traditional color of happiness.

Compiled from: Giri, Robin, Nepali Communities Fight to Change Ingrained Social Biases against Women, UNICEF, 31 July 2007.