Our Impact
Our Impact
Nepal, as well as strategic expansions into India.
Reached Girls and Women Nationwide
stakeholders Reached
%
Growth in Critical Knowledge
%
Empowerment Score
%
Improvement in Self-Defense
Impact Beyond Numbers
Our independent impact assessment reports have shown the Fightback program to be highly effective in increasing confidence, safety awareness and overall well-being.
Project HAVEN: Harassment and Violence Elimination Network
In partnership with UNHCR Nepal, Project HAVEN represents our commitment to scaling safety and empowerment for the most vulnerable, including refugee communities and individuals with disabilities.
Big Win:
Awareness of sexual violence and reporting methods skyrocketed from just 16% to 99% for girls and 7% to 99% for boys post-training.
Why It Matters:
This project goes beyond basic training by employing a unique "Train-the-Trainer" (TOT) model. By equipping girls, boys, and refugee women to educate their own peers, we have created a sustainable, community-led safety network that continues to grow long after our trainers have left.
The “Safe to Learn” Final Evaluation (Progress Inc.)
This evaluation focused on our work in five districts in Nepal to end violence against children and create safe school environments.
Big Win:
92.3% of students reported that Fightback’s training helped them face difficult real-world situations.
Why It Matters:
Before the program, students were afraid to speak out; now, they are confident that their grievances will be addressed without retaliation. Evaluators found that the training provided girls with a "new perspective," moving them from feeling vulnerable to feeling empowered.
Grand Challenges Canada: Violence & Harassment Prevention
A mixed-methods study exploring the social and health impacts of our training during the GCC funding period.
Big Win:
Knowledge of how to access emergency help jumped from 24% to 87% among female participants.
Why It Matters:
The study found that before our training, many participants only recognized rape as sexual violence; afterward, they gained a comprehensive understanding of the diverse forms of harassment and how to mitigate them
The Tetra Tech International Development Impact Assessment
This endline report evaluated our "Fightback Girls" program, focusing on scalability and psychological impact.
Big Win:
92% of Participants reported feeling safer in their daily lives after the training.
Why It Matters:
The assessment highlighted that our training doesn't just teach physical skills; it challenges social taboos around "blame and shame," encouraging girls to speak out and seek help
SPRING Accelerator Independent Assessment
In partnership with SPRING Accelerator, Fightback participated in an independent qualitative assessment conducted by Kantar Public to understand how adolescent girls and parents perceive safety education, self-defense, and empowerment programs in Nepal.
Big Win:
The assessment revealed that adolescent girls and parents strongly valued Fightback’s holistic approach combining mental, vocal, emotional, and physical safety skills. Many participants expressed willingness to prioritize and financially invest in regular Fightback training because of its real-world relevance and empowerment impact.
Why It Matters:
The research validated Fightback’s belief that safety education must go beyond physical self-defense. Girls and parents valued the program’s focus on confidence, awareness, vocal assertiveness, and emotional preparedness, recognizing Fightback as a long-term empowerment and life-skills program rather than just a self-defense class.
Surjamaya Sherpa’s Inspiring Journey
From a refugee community to becoming a lead trainer in the Fightback program, Surjamaya Sherpa’s
journey shows the power of resilience, courage, and community support.
Testimonials
A guy was trying to harass a female student. As we taught our students to scream and hit the perpetrator in his private parts and run to safety, the student did exactly that. She came to the school and reported it to teachers.
In Fightback training I learnt that if somebody attacks me, either I need to run away to the safe place or I need to fight back. If such a situation comes, I would see if someone is coming and tell the person to help. If I get caught in such a situation, I will fight back using my hands and legs
While I was walking in the road yesterday, boys teased me and tried to grab my hand and hair. Then, I tried the techniques taught by Fightback. I released the hand and said not to touch my hair.
I have taken different types of training but never have I taken such a training where I as a female am able to find out my weaknesses and strengths and empower myself to never get into such a situation and even if I do I know the right techniques to get out of it.
I was interested in going to a music class which is a little far from our home, but I was not allowed to because my parents didn't have confidence in me. But, after the Fightback program, they have allowed me to take the music class.
I need to commute in the evening at 7pm from work, I used to feel very afraid after dark but now I feel confident and safe to walk after the dark.
Around five minutes away from our school, there used to be some hooligans who would sit around tea shops and call us names and tease us... Now, after Fightback training, I can confidently walk alone, look them in the eyes and ask them to back off if needed.
Before Fightback training I could not walk at night and I thought girls were also to blame for sexual violence now I know it is not because of dress or walking at night but it is the fault in the thought of the perpetrator.
Had you asked about experiencing bad touch before Fightback training, we would have said we have never experienced it, since we did not know what constituted a bad touch. Now that we are aware, we were able to reflect on the times we actually experienced bad touch.
I learned from Fightback training that only rape is not a sexual violence, any improper action that is done without other person's consent such as double meaning words, making unwanted demands, etc. comes under sexual violence.
I thought Fightback would be more about learning fighting skills and it would make my daughter aggressive. Surprisingly, it has taught my daughter very unique skills to handle situations like bullying and teasing.
Last week, four girls came to me and said some boys were using abusive language to them... These were girls who would never come to me and say something. They are shy in nature. But it must be after the training, they gained confidence and were able to speak up.
I will be more than willing to pay for this training rather than spending money on other ordinary activities.