Our Journey

FAITH emerged in response to a national movement advocating for health rights for people living with HIV (PLHIV) and people who use drugs (PWUD). In the early 2000s, many faced severe illnesses and succumbed to AIDS due to inadequate medical care, pervasive stigma, and government indifference. Communities began forming support networks, aided by international partners’ technical and financial support, leading to the establishment of nationwide organizations often led by those directly affected.

In 2005, FAITH was founded with a mission to create a supportive community for those infected and affected by HIV. From the outset, the organization prioritized advocacy for favorable policies, empowerment, and the transformation of social norms over direct service delivery. The combined efforts of FAITH and similar organizations significantly expanded HIV services, providing hope for productive and fulfilling lives for those living with HIV.

Recognizing the heightened vulnerability of people living with HIV to Tuberculosis (TB), FAITH pioneered programs for TB screening and treatment, now a life-saving standard protocol. This achievement underscored the need to address broader challenges. Adolescents and women living with HIV, female sex workers, and women who use drugs continue to face barriers to accessing health and human rights, prompting FAITH to broaden its scope.

In 2015, FAITH declared itself a women-led organization, marking a pivotal moment in its evolution. The organization expanded its initiatives to include advocacy for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), prevention of gender-based violence, economic empowerment, gender equality, and social equity. Today, FAITH empowers and supports female and trans sex workers, women who use drugs, women living with HIV, girls and women from indigenous and Dalit communities, individuals with disabilities, and those marginalized by geographic isolation, political exclusion, or economic hardships.

Collaborating with beneficiary-led Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), FAITH continues to address crucial issues and foster positive change. Our journey has been a profound learning experience, offering insights into our community and strategies to make governance more responsive and accountable. We are committed to leveraging these lessons to drive innovation and create a society that embraces dignity and equality for vulnerable and marginalized populations.

We Are Passionate About

Community Empowerment
FAITH transcends the role of an organization by fostering a community built by and for those we serve. We are deeply committed to empowering individuals, encouraging active participation in decision-making, and enabling them to take control of their lives. This commitment is embodied in our name, Friends Affected & Infected Together in Hand (FAITH). We integrate this ethos across all levels of our organization, from the executive board to general membership and, where feasible, our staff—many of whom come from the communities we serve. All decision-making positions are held by women, underscoring our unwavering dedication to meaningful inclusion and empowerment.

Promoting Equality, Equity, and Dignity
At FAITH, we prioritize equality and equity as foundational principles, rejecting all forms of discrimination and affirming the inherent dignity of every individual. Our mission to dismantle stigma and bias drives our work at both grassroots and national levels. Through persistent advocacy, media engagement, and public outreach, we challenge stereotypes, confront biases, and spark critical dialogue on issues such as stigma, discrimination, violence, and the denial of basic human and health rights.

Leveraging Media and Technology
As a pioneer organization in Nepal, FAITH utilizes media and technology to transform societal norms surrounding marginalized populations. By producing documentaries, short films, public service announcements, and music videos, we humanize marginalized communities, educate policymakers and the public, and amplify the voices of those we serve. Our in-house media mobilization team ensures the creation and dissemination of impactful content that promotes positive role models and inspires change.

Building Strategic Networks
FAITH envisions its role as a collaborative bridge, working across diverse sectors to ensure marginalized populations lead healthy and fulfilling lives. Recognizing the interconnectedness of human rights movements, we align with the broader women’s rights movement and foster strategic partnerships. Our collaborative approach strengthens networks and amplifies collective efforts to advocate for the rights and well-being of vulnerable and marginalized communities.

Expanding Focus Areas
FAITH is broadening its scope to address the evolving needs of marginalized populations. Our initiatives empower and support female and trans sex workers, women who use drugs, women living with HIV, girls and women from indigenous and Dalit communities, individuals with disabilities, and those marginalized by geographic isolation, political exclusion, or economic hardships. We are committed to fostering equity, dignity, and empowerment for all within these communities.

Our Core Beliefs

Our work is grounded in a set of core beliefs and commitments that guide and inspire our actions:

• Power of People: We believe in the transformative power of individuals to drive social change. Each person holds the potential to make meaningful and positive contributions to society. When empowered, individuals can advocate for change, challenge societal norms, and inspire collective action, accelerating societal transformation.
• Respect for Diversity: We are steadfast in our commitment to diversity and equality. Diversity enriches creativity, fosters innovation, and broadens perspectives. Our experience demonstrates that inclusive decision-making—particularly when it involves those most affected by the outcomes—leads to equitable and sustainable solutions.
• Community Empowerment: We recognize the profound value of communities where inspired individuals unite under a shared vision for the future. By working collectively, organizations and groups can influence the factors that shape their lives, fostering meaningful strategies and transformative change.
• Dialogue as a Catalyst: We champion the power of dialogue as a cornerstone of democracy and a pathway to enduring peace. Meaningful dialogue requires active listening, empathy, and a willingness to acknowledge differences while seeking common ground. Through open and honest communication, we have facilitated sustainable solutions to complex and deeply rooted challenges.

Vision

We aspire to create a world where every individual from marginalized populations can fully and freely exercise their fundamental rights, unimpeded by coercion, stigma, discrimination, or violence.

Mission

Our mission is to serve as catalysts for change by dismantling stigma, challenging discrimination, and fostering positive attitudes toward marginalized populations. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where every individual can exercise their fundamental rights with dignity and equality.

Goal

Aligned with our mission and vision, we aim to secure the fundamental rights of women and children from marginalized groups, empowering them to live healthy, dignified, and fulfilling lives, free from coercion, stigma, discrimination, and violence.

Thematic Areas

• Human Rights: Advocating for the protection and promotion of fundamental rights for marginalized populations.
• Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR): Ensuring access to comprehensive, inclusive, and equitable sexual and reproductive health services and education.
• Violence Prevention and Mitigation: Addressing and reducing gender-based violence and its impact on vulnerable communities.
• Mental Health: Promoting mental health awareness, support, and access to culturally sensitive services.
• Gender-Responsive Climate Action: Implementing gender-responsive resilience-building and sustainable practices to address the disproportionate impact of climate change on women and marginalized populations.
• Gender-Inclusive Economic Empowerment: Advancing economic opportunities and equity for women and marginalized groups through skills development and entrepreneurship.
• Organizational Strengthening: Enhancing institutional capacity, governance, and sustainability to deliver impactful programs effectively.

Targeted beneficiaries

FAITH’s initiatives focus on empowering and supporting marginalized groups, including female and transgender sex workers, women who use drugs, women living with HIV, girls and women from indigenous communities, members of Dalit communities, individuals with disabilities, and those marginalized due to geographic isolation, political exclusion, or economic hardships.

Theory of change

We aim to break the stigma around marginalized populations and promote positive attitudes, enabling everyone to exercise their fundamental rights without discrimination or violence. By empowering communities, generating knowledge, advocating for inclusive policies, and establishing community-based response teams, we enhance resilience and well-being, especially for women and children. We envision a future where marginalized individuals lead healthy, dignified lives in a society defined by equality, justice, and respect for fundamental rights.