About us

We work with communities to heal trauma survivors, honor cultural roots, and restore lives through shared strength. Our programs transform pain into purpose and will continue empowering survivors to rebuild Nepal, one journey at a time.

Our Story

Sajha Dhago was officially established on March 27, 2022, by psychologists, clinicians, and social workers committed to feminist values and mental health support. Our roots trace back to 2014, when the Common Threads Project (CTP)—piloted by TPO Nepal with UNHCR support—served refugee women using sewing and storytelling for trauma recovery.

From 2016–2021, the program evolved to support Bhutanese and urban refugees, Rohingya, trafficking survivors, and exploited teens. In 2022, Sajha Dhago became an independent Nepali organization to reach community-level survivors of SGBV, disasters, conflict, and displacement—particularly women, queer communities, and marginalized groups.

Led by Chairperson Jamuna Maharjan Shrestha and a dedicated team of clinicians, we transformed a refugee-focused pilot into a scalable model blending traditional Nepali healing (needle and thread) with neuroscience-backed trauma therapy. What began as serving dozens now reaches 1,030 beneficiaries annually through 6 healing cohorts, trainings, and partnerships.

Our Mission

To ensure that survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) receive support to heal from enduring psychological effects through training, intervention, and research.

Our Vision

A world free from violence. As long as violence exists, every survivor of SGBV can access survivor-centered interventions for deep, lasting psychological recovery and transformation.

Core Values Driving Our Impact

Survivor-Centered

Everything begins with survivors’ lived experiences, needs, and leadership. We prioritize their voices, agency, and healing journeys above all.​

Trauma-Informed

We understand trauma’s impact on mind, body, and relationships. Our approach creates safety, choice, and empowerment at every step.​

Culturally Grounded

Rooted in Nepali traditions like needlework and community circles, our interventions honor local wisdom alongside global best practices.

Evidence-Based

Every program combines neuroscience-backed trauma therapy with systematic evaluation. We measure what matters and adapt based on results.​

Community-Powered

Healing happens collectively. We build lasting peer networks and train local facilitators to sustain impact beyond our direct reach.

Equity-Focused

We dismantle barriers to ensure healing reaches all – regardless of gender, caste, location, or ability.

The Board of Directors and staff at Sajha Dhago are united in their commitment to supporting survivors on their journey to healing and recovery.

Our Impact

Survivors Served
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Survivors of sexual violence, conflict trauma, and natural disasters

Trainings
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For practitioners, facilitators, and community workers

Healing Progress
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With significant emotional regulation improvement

Specialized Programs
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Evidence-based plus traditional healing practices

Districts Across Nepal
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And expanding regional reach